Tour talk -- Spoiler alert [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

redrhodie

07-03-2010, 11:25 AM

Yeah, Tony Martin is great. He's got some years ahead of him. He's still in the white jersey.

I haven't heard of Brent Bookwalter before. With that finish today, he deserves some coverage.

Aww, at least his hometown cares: http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/07/for_rockford_grad_brent_bookwa.html

malkin

07-03-2010, 11:41 AM

I remember Bookwalter from the Tour of Utah last year.

Aggie_Ama

07-03-2010, 11:48 AM

I want to know where Cancellara buys jeans. Talk about a hard-to-fit figure -- those thighs are beyond massive.

And I'm excited to see how Tony Martin develops over the years. Looks like he has a great future. No shame in losing out to Spartacus.

Fabian is built identical to my DH. Of course my husband does not wear tight jeans. But my husband is one inch taller, 5 lbs light and huge thighs. Pretty funny.

I hope Tyler Farrar didn't use too much energy on that pretty nice ride.

loopybunny

07-03-2010, 12:39 PM

I haven't heard of Brent Bookwalter before. With that finish today, he deserves some coverage.

I'm a huge BMC fan so I've been following Brent for a while. Down to earth guy. He was 2nd in the Giro d'Italia prologue behind Wiggins this year. This boy is going places!

redrhodie

07-03-2010, 01:23 PM

I didn't see either the Giro or Utah. See, now there's the problem with Versus (but I don't want to dis Versus. I'm happy they show cycling at all!).

malkin

07-03-2010, 03:16 PM

For Utah, we just had to go outside and watch it!

berkeley

07-03-2010, 05:57 PM

Fabian is very nice to look at.

Could the Versus crew discuss the road conditions more? I needed to hear about the road drying for the late crew another 100 times before it was going to sink in. lol :p

ny biker

07-03-2010, 06:17 PM

Fabian has great hair. He even looks good with helmet hair.

Bike Chick

07-04-2010, 03:45 AM

Fabian just looks good...............period.

redrhodie

07-04-2010, 08:56 AM

Poor Tyler. He just can't get a break. Today should have been his.

channlluv

07-04-2010, 09:30 AM

Seriously. How much force does it take to rip off a derailleur? He's lucky he walked away from that.

Roxy

berkeley

07-04-2010, 11:41 AM

Holy toledo. I really thought Tyler had a good shot, too.

Dogmama

07-04-2010, 12:50 PM

The Garmin team got lost? Like, if their bus took a wrong turn or something like that?

OK - lame, I know. But it's hotter than hell right now and my brain has melted.

Possegal

07-04-2010, 02:35 PM

Their bus nearly ran me over today. :) Actually, a couple team cars nearly ran me over today. Maybe I need a walking Garmin.

Grog

07-04-2010, 07:28 PM

Did anyone sign up for the online Versus coverage?

When watching it later on, how do you fast-forward? We just can't seem to make it work!! :(

berkeley

07-05-2010, 07:46 AM

Congrats to Chavanel... today was the day to break away early. Did anyone in the peloton not crash on that descent???

katluvr

07-05-2010, 09:14 AM

I might watch tonights "extended" versus coverage cuz there will be much more info about that crash!
Plus I have belgium and french beer to drink...so I need to watch at night, it was a bit too early for beer this AM!

K

malkin

07-05-2010, 11:31 AM

Lance said "...something on the road..."

No kidding: bikes, riders, parts, water, skin, hair, blood...

ny biker

07-05-2010, 12:05 PM

Lance said "...something on the road..."

No kidding: bikes, riders, parts, water, skin, hair, blood...

I did see one of the team mechanics (from Lampre, maybe?) slip and almost fall as he was running over to help one of the crashed riders. It must have been crazy slippery if people were having trouble on foot. I hope there were no serious injuries.

I'm glad Chavenel won -- nice to see a Frenchman on a Belgian team putting on the YJ after a stage in Belgium. Quickstep probably didn't expect much from this race after Boonen was unable to start, but now they hold the yellow, green and polka dot jerseys.

And speaking of polka dots, WHAT THE HELL are those podium girls wearing?? Their skirts look like golf umbrellas.

berkeley

07-05-2010, 12:06 PM

Lance said "...something on the road..."

No kidding: bikes, riders, parts, water, skin, hair, blood...

Seriously!

I heard the Schlecks are OK...anyone hear about the rest? Tyler Farrar? Christian VDV?

Veronica

07-05-2010, 12:18 PM

And speaking of polka dots, WHAT THE HELL are those podium girls wearing?? Their skirts look like golf umbrellas.

LOL! You know those are beautiful models with wonderful figures, but the outfit doesn't even give them a waist. Just ugly.

Are the podium girls for the stage winners wearing rubber jumpsuits?

Veronica

berkeley

07-05-2010, 12:25 PM

From Procyclling live on Twitter:

Updates: Gesink (RAB) has fracture in his ulnar. Farrar (GRM) fractured his elbow

Oof!!

malkin

07-05-2010, 12:33 PM

I like the kookie polka dot podium girl outfits!

Maybe the organizers could consider a 'bloodiest rider' contest and the podium girls could dress (and walk) like zombies!

ny biker

07-05-2010, 12:35 PM

Are the podium girls for the stage winners wearing rubber jumpsuits?

I was wondering the same thing. They are very much not flattering.

berkeley

07-05-2010, 02:41 PM

Looks like Christian VDV and Tyler are out. Garmin took a big hit today.

redrhodie

07-05-2010, 03:32 PM

Lance said "...something on the road..."

No kidding: bikes, riders, parts, water, skin, hair, blood...

I read it was oil from the moto that crashed trying to avoid the first rider who crashed. Sad for everyone who went down (and out), but still, I'm very happy for Quickstep!

I also like the umbrella outfits.

berkeley

07-05-2010, 04:20 PM

Looks like Christian VDV and Tyler are out. Garmin took a big hit today.

I stand corrected. Tyler is going tomorrow.
http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2010/07/05/update-tour-de-france-stage-2

He must be on some serious pain meds!

loopybunny

07-05-2010, 05:22 PM

I stand corrected. Tyler is going tomorrow.
http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2010/07/05/update-tour-de-france-stage-2

He must be on some serious pain meds!

I can't imagine what Farrar is thinking! Seriously? He's planning riding on cobbles with a broken wrist? The man is clearly insane.

Love him for being so committed though!

Sad about Vande Velde. Garmin are my boys... I can't stand it that so many of them are having so much trouble.

Bike Chick

07-06-2010, 03:47 AM

Too bad for Christian and Tyler. I'm a VDV fan since he's from Illinois and I really hate that Tyler has a broken wrist. I was looking forward to him giving Cavendish a challenge. How long do you think he will make it today on those cobbles with a broken wrist??? How dedicated is that??

tulip

07-06-2010, 03:56 AM

I really like Vandevelde. I had high hopes for him this year. It's been an exciting tour so far, although it resembles ice hockey a bit too much. Beautiful scenery, as usual.

I'm so happy for Sylvain Chavenel and Quick Step. Chavenel was just beaming!

arielmoon

07-06-2010, 08:43 AM

Lance predicted carnage on stage 3 and he was on the money! WOW What a day! I cried for Frank, I cheered for Fabian, and I rooted for Lance to get back to a group after flatting in the gutter. I need a nap now!

Eden

07-06-2010, 08:55 AM

I stand corrected. Tyler is going tomorrow.
http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2010/07/05/update-tour-de-france-stage-2

He must be on some serious pain meds!

Nope.... WADA hardly lets you have anything stronger than tylenol.....

I can understand why he's going on though. As long as the break is stable he's probably not going to damage it more, its going to be painful no matter where he is, off the bike.... on the bike.... OTOH you only get so many chances to ride the TDF and quitting can be more painful in its own way than a broken bone....

ny biker

07-06-2010, 09:15 AM

I'm glad Thor won.

It will be interesting to see how the time differences from today play out in the overall GC when all is finished.

malkin

07-06-2010, 03:08 PM

So sad that Frank Schleck is out.

berkeley

07-06-2010, 06:01 PM

So sad that Frank Schleck is out.

Looks like he's heading into surgery for the broken collarbone. Owwwwww.

Trek420

07-06-2010, 08:45 PM

I'm glad Thor won.

am the first to say the traditional "Thor will SMASH!"?:D

arielmoon

07-07-2010, 07:04 AM

Frank Schleck update: surgery last night went until 3 a.m. Eight bolts in his neck now. Collarbone broken in three places.

redrhodie

07-07-2010, 10:02 AM

Glad that turned out okay! I thought there would be crashes for sure with all those round-abouts right before the finish. I was biting my nails at the end. Scary.

loopybunny

07-07-2010, 03:21 PM

I thought there would be crashes for sure with all those round-abouts right before the finish. I was biting my nails at the end. Scary.

Me too! Can't believe they came out unscathed.

I wonder if the boys are riding a little more conservatively in order to save energy and be safer right now. Chris Horner said that the pave in stage 3 was actually not the dangerous part because riders seemed to be taking it easy. It was when they got onto the regular pavement that the wattage kicked up and people became more aggressive.

I was a bit bummed that Thor or someone from Garmin didn't take the win today. Really hoping that Farrar gets his groove back.

withm

07-07-2010, 03:23 PM

Is anyone watching the Tour via Versus Tour Tracker online? Is it worth the $30? Can you watch anytime or do you have to watch right when the replay is being broadcast?

tulip

07-07-2010, 03:41 PM

Is anyone watching the Tour via Versus Tour Tracker online? Is it worth the $30? Can you watch anytime or do you have to watch right when the replay is being broadcast?

I am not watching it on Tour Tracker because I'm watching European feeds, but I might sign up for it because my mornings are shot when I watch the whole thing live. My understanding is that you can watch the recap, but you might want to verify that on their website.

$30 is alot less than paying for cable or satellite. I think it's worth it if you can't watch it any other way.

Zen

07-07-2010, 05:23 PM

So sad that Frank Schleck is out.

I love those Schleck Brothers.
Next year, next year...

roguedog

07-07-2010, 09:23 PM

tour tracker..

yup you can watch later. it's nice bene. i can watch in the am.. or tune it in at work for the replay or later in the evening. allowed me to catch up on prologue and stage 1 over the weekend :). pretty nice to watch on the lcd tv in HD at your leisure.

they had this autobahn plugin for hd but it was't working too well and they pulled the plug on it. now the picture looks to be standard but it's a bit less fussy. the autobahn thing kept stopping and i had ahrd time advancing forward and back with it. now with just a normal feed it's less fussy it seems. was replaying it at work this afternoon and allowed me to skip forward but it did keep stopping but i duno if that's due the work network wonkiness or something.

i think it's worth the 30 because otherwise i wouldn't be able to see the tour at all! oh... and no commercials!!

there's also an iphone/itouch app too. got that one since i'll be traveling next week. i think there's a fre version but not sure if it only shows the feed realtime.

Grog

07-07-2010, 09:50 PM

We signed up for the Versus online tracker.

The first two days it was not working or almost not, but now it's great. I think they have fixed the plug in and increased bandwidth. If you're interested in watching many stages, I think it's worth it.

Possegal

07-08-2010, 01:33 AM

Andy was very popular, so not so easy to get a good picture of.

Bike Chick

07-08-2010, 02:50 AM

I love those Schleck Brothers.
Next year, next year...

Agreed!

withm

07-08-2010, 06:57 AM

OK I signed up for it - $30 was way cheaper than changing my cable to digital service, new box, and new fees.... I have NEVER seen the tour before so this was a revelation.

But .... what a time suck! 4 hours last night watching - I think I need to explore this better to see if I can watch highlights for 2 hours or start fast forwarding more.

One problem - after some period of time the feed goes blank and I have to restart the viewing (not restart the computer) and then fast forward to where I think I was while watching. Not sure how to fix that?

In any case I learned a lot about the Tour that I did not know, saw beautiful countryside, and even if I only watch 1/2 of it overall, I think I'll have my money's worth out of the investment.

arielmoon

07-08-2010, 08:22 AM

I have been catching it live online via links on steephill.tv. Sometimes the Eurosport links freeze and I have to go back to the home page and click another link, but hey I am not complaining. :)

Blue_Fedora

07-08-2010, 08:27 AM

I have been listening online while at work (there's a Yahoo Eurosport live audio feed that is very very very good). The commentators are great and make it very exciting - especially for just an audio portion. Yesterday's stage was great to listen to and today's was fantastic... perhaps because I'm a huge fan of Mark Cavendish and to hear how the train pulled him thru... wow... that was exciting!!!

ny biker

07-08-2010, 08:29 AM

BTW, I like Chris Horner's blogs about the tour (and all his races).

http://blog.oregonlive.com/horner/index.html

He gives some interesting insights. And you gotta love a guy who eats Snickers bars and Little Debbie brownies while he's racing.

arielmoon

07-08-2010, 08:38 AM

I like Chris and he writes very well. I think I will skip the parts about his eating habits.

redrhodie

07-08-2010, 09:10 AM

Awwww, Cav. I almost cried, too.

ny biker

07-08-2010, 09:46 AM

Awwww, Cav. I almost cried, too.

I wanted to like him. Big George likes him, so there must be something likeable there. But I just don't see it. He needs to grow up.

And Phil and Paul keep saying that if he doesn't think he can win, he doesn't bother to try. This is too anti-Jens for my tastes. And it is not the way to win a green jersey.

I'm rooting for Thor in this race. Also Robbie McEwan -- he's been working hard to come back from injuries and I'd like to see him get some success. He cut his elbow pretty badly in that uber-crash the other day, and I hope that starts to heal better so he can be more competitive. And speaking of healing, I'm really hoping Tyler can improve enough to contest some sprints as the tour progresses.

ny biker

07-08-2010, 09:48 AM

I like Chris and he writes very well. I think I will skip the parts about his eating habits.

I saw the stuff about his preferred race food in a video they shot during the Tour of the Gila last year. It was pretty funny. Lance and Levi had boxes of gels and power bars, Chris had boxes of junk. But it seems to work for him, and he is always smiling...

He also loves burgers. I can do without the brownies and candy, but I'd love to go out for a burger with him someday. I want to take Phil and Paul out for beers, and Chris out for burgers. This is my dream.

redrhodie

07-08-2010, 02:57 PM

I wanted to like him. Big George likes him, so there must be something likeable there. But I just don't see it. He needs to grow up.

Yeah, I know he's easy to hate, but I love him. He won my heart when he said of himself "I am the most beautiful thing in France." I appreciate his sense of humor. He is immature, but I don't think he's a bad guy. He's got an incredible amount of pressure on him, and doesn't always handle it with the dignity and grace, but other times, he does. I don't think he'll get the Green this year, but no matter. I'm happy watching him win stages and cry getting his trophies. It warms my cockles. I'm such a girlie-girl. :p

One thing I realize about George this year is just how instrumental he was/is in the many victories his teammates have had. I always knew he was good, but I think he's more important than I ever knew. Because of him, I'm giving Cadel top pick. I never would have thought Cadel stood a chance.

lunacycles

07-08-2010, 04:04 PM

But .... what a time suck! 4 hours last night watching - I think I need to explore this better to see if I can watch highlights for 2 hours or start fast forwarding more.

This is my first year since, goodness, a decade? that I haven't watched the Tour (as a result of saying goodbye to cable to save $), and the only thing I don't miss is the loss of 4 hours of my day! It totally sucks you in, and it becomes ritualistic, despite the lance worship/ storyline.
Coffee, a fresh morning breeze, birds chirping, and up the Alps we go! ...So, careful there.:) I feel like I am in withdrawal, big time, but maybe I will just give in and get that Versus online service.

lunacycles

07-08-2010, 04:09 PM

Also Robbie McEwan -- he's been working hard to come back from injuries and I'd like to see him get some success. He cut his elbow pretty badly in that uber-crash the other day, and I hope that starts to heal better so he can be more competitive.

+1. I miss seeing him come out of complete nowhere in the last 100 meters and spin his little body past the best sprinters in the world like they were standing still.

Bike Chick

07-08-2010, 04:31 PM

+1. I miss seeing him come out of complete nowhere in the last 100 meters and spin his little body past the best sprinters in the world like they were standing still.

That makes two of us. Robbie would just appear out of thin air and win the sprint. Even on the replays, it's hard to find him until the very end.

I got a giant dose of Cav's immaturity last year at the Tour of Missouri. I watched him walk out of the team trailer before the start of the race, check his bike and start screaming at the mechanics because his tires weren't just right. He really showed his rear and I haven't liked him since. I'm cheering for Thor.

berkeley

07-08-2010, 05:42 PM

I can't wait until the mountains. :)

Aggie_Ama

07-09-2010, 04:45 AM

And Phil and Paul keep saying that if he doesn't think he can win, he doesn't bother to try. This is too anti-Jens for my tastes. And it is not the way to win a green jersey.

I said the same thing to my husband! He won a lot of stages last year but green jersey is "most consistent". So you can't pout and not try for a high placing or intermediate points and win. He will learn, I guess. :rolleyes:

AMP

07-09-2010, 06:20 AM

Farrar may be back in the race for real in the next week. Can you imagine riding sprints with his injuries?
Cavendish is mighty talented, but emotional--snarling one moment, crying the next. Must be hard on his team, who really showed their depth yesterday. His lead out train is the best. As much as Cavendish is a tool, his team has such heart that I find yself cheering for him.
Plus I shallowly like their HTC-Columbia helmets.
How about those naked guys-? The unfortunately-kitted Footon-Servetto. They keep showing up in the breakaways, probably for advertising their sponsor, but if I were their sponsor, I'd fire the designer.
Guess evaluating the kits is how I've handled the time-suckage.

ny biker

07-09-2010, 12:31 PM

Possegal, are you still in France? I am dying to know what color underwear these women are wearing under their polka-dot umbrellas, er um I mean skirts.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/07/news/2010-tour-de-france-stage-6-a-casey-b-gibson-gallery_127639/attachment/stage-6-2010-tour-de-france-10

It's pretty clear that anyone standing on the ground near the podium already knows the answer to this question. My money is on red.

OMG and I just noticed the shoes. Not sure how I feel about the hearts.

ny biker

07-09-2010, 12:50 PM

So, I feel really bad for Robbie McEwen. First he gets a bad cut on his elbow in a crash. Then he finds he's allergic to the medicine they gave him to prevent tetanus (he posted that on twitter a day or so ago). Then today this happens.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/07/news/robbie-mcewen-knocked-off-bike-in-finish-line-mishap_127622

He was doing pretty well in the sprints, and now they're not sure he can start tomorrow. Really too bad.

redrhodie

07-09-2010, 03:13 PM

There is no fighting in cycling! If you want to fight, play hockey.

Too bad for McEwen. That sucks.

Possegal

07-09-2010, 03:48 PM

Possegal, are you still in France? I am dying to know what color underwear these women are wearing under their polka-dot umbrellas, er um I mean skirts.

I am, but we never got that close to the podium. My big regret - I got chatty with our bartender in Rotterdam and he gave me wrist bans for the start and finish lines of the Prologue. But I was meeting a friend from the US who was in Holland visiting her in-laws and so we didn't use them. I will never have that close access again, I am sure of it. :(

Just makes me determined to come over again soon and follow along for many more stages.

malkin

07-09-2010, 04:14 PM

Possegal, are you still in France? I am dying to know what color underwear these women are wearing under their polka-dot umbrellas, er um I mean skirts.

It's pretty clear that anyone standing on the ground near the podium already knows the answer to this question. My money is on red.

Matching pois rouge undies maybe?
They are in France, after all!

berkeley

07-09-2010, 05:28 PM

There is no fighting in cycling! If you want to fight, play hockey.

My DVR cut out right as that broke out. What the heck happened?

PinkBike

07-09-2010, 07:57 PM

apparently costa elbowed barredo about 20k back. so barredo went after him. they got fined 400 swiss francs. barredo later apologized to costa.

as to cav, he was very nice when he signed my bicycle at the tour of california. yes he's young and brash and cocky -- how soon we forget -- robbie mcewen was young and brash and very cocky once.

i love the tour. every minute, every day.

Dogmama

07-10-2010, 03:22 AM

So, I feel really bad for Robbie McEwen. First he gets a bad cut on his elbow in a crash. Then he finds he's allergic to the medicine they gave him to prevent tetanus (he posted that on twitter a day or so ago). Then today this happens.

He was doing pretty well in the sprints, and now they're not sure he can start tomorrow. Really too bad.

I just saw on Velonews that he will start today (Saturday.)

tulip

07-10-2010, 08:13 AM

Oh, what a great stage! I really like Chavanel and his genuine happiness at the whole thing. He's been at this for 10 years; he's finally in yellow--twice! Terrific attack and he really stayed out there. It was a good day for the French, and I hope there will be more! It might kinda make up for the soccer debacle, ya' know.

I watch on Eurosport and there's nary a mention of Armstrong. He's just one of many in the peleton. I find it refreshing, but I also wonder what the story is. Seems like Radio Shack isn't doing much of anything so far. Perhaps tomorrow they will show their colors, but with Kloden falling off the back today, I kinda doubt it.

redrhodie

07-10-2010, 08:19 AM

malkin

07-10-2010, 08:45 AM

I like it when the French do well at the Tour.
'Root, root, root for the home team...'

redrhodie

07-10-2010, 11:29 AM

This is cool--pics of the making of the yellow and polka dot bikes that Chavanel and Pineau are riding:

http://picasaweb.google.be/113435145180300745857/MakingOffYellowAndGreenEMX5ForSylvainChavanel#

redrhodie

07-10-2010, 11:51 AM

I just watched the whole slideshow. That's it...I'm moving to Belgium. Beautiful men, with frites for lunch. :D

OakLeaf

07-10-2010, 12:10 PM

No respirators in the paint booth. :(

tulip

07-10-2010, 12:11 PM

I just watched the whole slideshow. That's it...I'm moving to Belgium. Beautiful men, with frites for lunch. :D

I'm going with you! Chavanel and Pinault are French, but I can only assume the rest are Belgian. Don't forget the very good Belgian beer, to go with the frites.

I love the photo of Pinault smiling at his polka dot bike. He looks like a little kid.

Did they have to paint the bikes over night, or did they paint them prior to the race, hedging their bets that Chavanel and Pinault would earn their jerseys?

emily_in_nc

07-10-2010, 02:25 PM

i love the tour. every minute, every day.

DITTO! I go into serious withdrawal when it's over...it really makes the dog days of summer very enjoyable!

buffybike

07-10-2010, 03:49 PM

I'm pretty much resigned to the couch tomorrow--tour in the morning, soccer in the afternoon! V. happy for Chavenel today--he was so proud. Good for him!! Anxious to see what happens in the mountains tomorrow.

malkin

07-11-2010, 08:15 AM

What a great day for the Schleck fans!

Bike Chick

07-11-2010, 12:04 PM

Yes, it was and a bad day for Lance fans. Andy Schleck sure looked strong today. It will be interesting to see what happens after the rest day, won't it? Go Levi!

emily_in_nc

07-11-2010, 01:10 PM

Yes, it was and a bad day for Lance fans. Andy Schleck sure looked strong today. It will be interesting to see what happens after the rest day, won't it? Go Levi!

Yep! I am a Lance fan so was very sorry to see him fall so far today. Perhaps he shouldn't have tried the tour this year, but I give him props for going for it. I hope he'll stick with it and support Levi; would love to see Levi on the podium, tho' it's unlikely. Very happy to see Andy beat Alberto today - hope that trend continues!

Skierchickie

07-11-2010, 02:21 PM

Yay Andy!

I'm an Armstrong fan, controversial though he may be, and I'm very disappointed for him today. He's not the type to take his toys and go home just because he had a bad day, so I expect to see good things from him yet. He did have a string of bad luck today, but he's come back from bad days before. He's a professional, and smart, and I'm sure he'll do the right thing (i.e. support Levi, or whatever is determined to be the best approach for the team).

I was REALLY happy to see Schleck take the win today. If Lance can't pull it off (and I really don't know if he can or not, but he can certainly place pretty high), Andy Schleck is one of the people I'd like to see in there. I was really pleased to see him drop Contador. If he could just improve his time-trialling, he'd be a real force.

arielmoon

07-12-2010, 04:25 AM

Armstrong fan here too and I was super bummed with his bad luck. So it was painful to watch all the while I was excitedly watching Andy as he stalked Contador and the others in front. What a race for him!

I'll be rooting for Levi, Cadel, and Andy now.

PscyclePath

07-12-2010, 05:17 AM

Lance has come back from worse (time-wise) and managed to pull out a win, but he was a lot younger, and the vast majority of his rival were in about the same shape he was. It will be a lot tougher and some superbadd juju has to happen to Messers Schleck, Evans, and Contador over the next two weeks.

Still, it's two weeks and a long, long way to Paris from here. Lots of things -- good and bad -- can still happen. After all, it's THE TOUR!

tulip

07-12-2010, 05:49 AM

I read an article that said Lance will ride for Levi and enjoy the rest of the race. Now that the pressure is off, he'll probably have alot more fun.

I remember being in Paris the first time Indurain won. As I recall (it was very hard to see because of the crowds), Greg Lemond finished the stage first, or at least entered the Champs-Elysees first. It was a sort of courtesy to him as a great rider and his last Tour. Maybe Lance will be honored as the Gentleman of the Tour this year, as a going-out gesture. Lance might not like that, come to think of it.

I really enjoy watching no matter who is ahead.

redrhodie

07-12-2010, 06:17 AM

I really enjoy watching no matter who is ahead.

Me too! I almost don't care who wins, but Andy Schleck is just so lovable. I guess he's my first choice.

Norse

07-12-2010, 06:47 AM

Lance fan here too. He always said you also have luck in order to win the TDF. Lady Luck certainly was not on his side this year. At least the pressure is off now. He can relax and help Levi and perhaps try for a stage win or two. Now I am rooting for anyone but Contador. Well, I would not be thrilled to see Vino or Basso on the podium. Also rooting for Thor in the green jersey competition, although if Robbie could give it a run, that would be great to see.

ny biker

07-12-2010, 07:57 AM

I'll be rooting for Levi, Cadel, and Andy now.

Me too.

I generally watch the live Phil and Paul coverage from the morning, but I also tend to catch a little of the end of the prime time coverage before I go to bed. Last night it was downright embarrassing watching Bob Roll in denial over Lance's situation. He needs to get a grip.

sundial

07-12-2010, 08:14 AM

Since Van de Velde is out, I'm pulling for Andy (especially since his *twin* brother is out). Also hoping that Tyler Farrar wins a sprint against Cavendish.

arielmoon

07-12-2010, 09:26 AM

Some spectators caught Lance's slide. Wow. Ouch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBftK8okyA&feature=player_embedded

Blue_Fedora

07-12-2010, 09:55 AM

{snip} Now I am rooting for anyone but Contador. {snip}

Yup... ABC... Anyone But Contador :)

tulip

07-12-2010, 10:13 AM

7rider

07-12-2010, 10:40 AM

ACG

07-12-2010, 10:48 AM

I am going to the tour! on the last day. I have seats, etc. Going with my daughters. I found a company who arranged for our hotel. I can't wait. We are leaving this weekend. Whoever wins, wins.

Veronica

07-12-2010, 10:56 AM

Gonna throw my hat into the prognostication ring today:

Schleck atop the podium in Paris. Annoying little bugger, just like Contador, but a darned fine cyclist.
Levi - as much as I love him - will not be there. Nor will Cadel.
Contador in the #2 spot.
The crystal ball is fuzzy on #3.

No, no, no!!! Schleck at the top is good. Not sure why he's annoying though...

Levi or Cadel have to be on the podium though.

Ryder Hesjedal in the top ten would be grand. How weird is that to start off the Tour thinking, "I'm a domestique." But now he's thinking, "I'm the man..." That's got to be kind of hard and a lot of pressure. But I think he's doing well.

Veronica

ny biker

07-12-2010, 11:01 AM

Um, why ABC?

Is it a Lance-worship thing, having to do with Contador winning last year (he was the stronger rider, as I recall)?

Is it a Spain-Already-Won-Enough-World-Sporting-Events thing, what with Nadal, Las Rojas, and Contador last year?

Is it an anti-Spain thing having to do with bullfighting, the Inquisition, or the colonization of the Americas?

He's an amazing bike racer. That's really all that counts.

I don't like Contador. That pistol gesture drives me nuts and the hat is ridiculous. And he was still whining about lack of team support in December. Dude, you won the race, move on already.

Veronica

07-12-2010, 11:05 AM

I don't like Contador. That pistol gesture drives me nuts and the hat is ridiculous. And he was still whining about lack of team support in December. Dude, you won the race, move on already.

He can't whine about lack of support this year. He had a few guys with him right up until the last climb. And one guy stayed with him to the very end. I thought it was pretty cool when Contador dumped water on the other guy's back. You could see him look surprised and then go,"Ahhhhh..."

Veronica

tulip

07-12-2010, 11:08 AM

I am going to the tour! on the last day. I have seats, etc. Going with my daughters. I found a company who arranged for our hotel. I can't wait. We are leaving this weekend. Whoever wins, wins.

Have a wonderful trip! I love Paris!

jobob

07-12-2010, 11:14 AM

I don't like Contador. That pistol gesture drives me nuts and the hat is ridiculous. And he was still whining about lack of team support in December. Dude, you won the race, move on already.

I like Contador a lot. Too bad that pistol gesture bugs you, I like it, and I like his hat. Ridicuous? Wow, pass the sour grapes. Anyone know where I can buy one of those hats?

Whining about lack of team support, oh please. I'd say he moved on, quite nicely.

Face it, if Lance did the same sort of thing, all the Lance worshipers would lap it up in adoration. Oh wait, he does, with all that self-promotion. :rolleyes:

Don't know how Versus is going to re-write their script, this should be a hoot.

Go Levi!!! And Andy, and Cadel, and Ivan, and Denis, and Ryder, and yes, Alberto. The silly posturing is over, and the real tour has started. 'Bout time.

7rider

07-12-2010, 11:20 AM

No, no, no!!! Schleck at the top is good. Not sure why he's annoying though...

I agree. It's just that he's a skinny little thing that just looks too happy too often! :D I want to throw him a sandwich and tell him to look like he's working for Pete's sake.

Levi or Cadel have to be on the podium though.

I think Levi burned his matches in California. He didn't train to be at peak for the TdF.
Cadel...well, he's just so not a pretty climber. I keep waiting for him to blow up. It's coming. He's having a fantastic year...but I'm waiting for him to pop.

Ryder Hesjedal in the top ten would be grand. How weird is that to start off the Tour thinking, "I'm a domestique." But now he's thinking, "I'm the man..." That's got to be kind of hard and a lot of pressure. But I think he's doing well.

Maybe he's the dark horse for the 3rd spot. I am soooo waiting for Garmin to take a stage. They deserve it. They need it. Tyler in Paris. Now wouldn't that be sweet???

ny biker

07-12-2010, 11:32 AM

I like Contador a lot. Too bad that pistol gesture bugs you, I like it, and I like his hat. Ridicuous? Wow, pass the sour grapes. Anyone know where I can buy one of those hats?

Whining about lack of team support, oh please. I'd say he moved on, quite nicely.

Face it, if Lance did the same sort of thing, all the Lance worshipers would lap it up in adoration. Oh wait, he does, with all that self-promotion. :rolleyes:

Don't know how Versus is going to re-write their script, this should be a hoot.

Go Levi!!! And Andy, and Cadel, and Ivan, and Denis, and Ryder, and yes, Alberto. The silly posturing is over, and the real tour has started. 'Bout time.

Thanks but there are no grapes here, sour or othewise. If Lance started doing a stupid shooting gesture and wearing that hat, I would think it was just as annoying. And if Contador had an organization with a pistol as its logo, it would make sense to wear the hat. But he doesn't. And yes, he was still complaining about last year's tour in December.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2009/12/news/bruyneel-downplays-contador%e2%80%99s-comment_102149

He's a great racer, but he annoys me. I fast forward past the interviews with him. I also fast forward past the Lance-sucking-up, if that makes you happy.

Veronica

07-12-2010, 11:47 AM

You might try here for a hat.

https://www.albertocontador.com/producto.php?id=6

I just don't like the shooting gesture. Yes, he's "killed" his opponents or the climb or whatever... Guns aren't play things. :rolleyes:

Otherwise, I think he's a pretty classy guy. I haven't read or heard too many interviews where he puts down his competition. I like that.

Veronica

Blue_Fedora

07-12-2010, 11:49 AM

Um, why ABC?

Is it a Lance-worship thing, having to do with Contador winning last year (he was the stronger rider, as I recall)?

Is it a Spain-Already-Won-Enough-World-Sporting-Events thing, what with Nadal, Las Rojas, and Contador last year?

Is it an anti-Spain thing having to do with bullfighting, the Inquisition, or the colonization of the Americas?

He's an amazing bike racer. That's really all that counts.

Not a Lance-worship thing at all for me. In fact, I'm not a huge Lance fan... I'd love to see Andy Schleck win it :) I do not care for Contador's personality one bit and to me he comes across quite negatively. Just personal preference but I'd be pleased if anyone but Alberto Contador won.

katluvr

07-12-2010, 11:54 AM

Some spectators caught Lance's slide. Wow. Ouch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBftK8okyA&feature=player_embedded

still can't tell what happened, but he did quite a slide...no wonder his jersey was all torn up.

And I am still of the ABC club, maybe it's me being a Lance fan (and fan of many others), but mostly he drive me crazy. (Each to there own!) But I DO admit, he is a darn gifted cyclist!

K

jobob

07-12-2010, 11:59 AM

You might try here for a hat.

Thanks V!

I just don't like the shooting gesture. Yes, he's "killed" his opponents or the climb or whatever... Guns aren't play things. :rolleyes:

Fair enough.

Otherwise, I think he's a pretty classy guy. I haven't read or heard too many interviews where he puts down his competition. I like that.

As do I. I'm constantly amused by all the trash talk and posturing coming from the Lance/Johan camp, amplified by Twitter and Versus. Contador on the other hand is letting his legs do the talking.

Norse

07-12-2010, 12:24 PM

Contador on the other hand is letting his legs do the talking.

Contador's legs couldn't talk back to Schleck's yesterday. :)

If the "old man" who has done so much for cancer research and support - something that hits way too close to the heart in my family, including losing my father one year ago July 25th - can't do it one more time, than I would like to see someone other than finger-pistol-pointing Contador win it. Someone new, and someone who does not whine about his team while not being much of a team player himself. Talk to Kloden about that one.

Aggie_Ama

07-12-2010, 12:34 PM

Contador does annoy me too but I don't know why. I am far from a Lance fan, unless you count thinking it is cool he lets normal people race his personal mountain bike course. Didn't like that they charged $10 for parking, I am sure he could pay the small parking staff and never notice it happened. :rolleyes:

Contador does give his rivals credit and is pretty professional about it. He did do some whining last year but he got to lead the team the year before then Lance decides he is tired of being retired and expects them to ride for him? I do think Contador needs to grow up and learn the team concept of cycling, he has tons of talent but I think when he gets older he might need a team. His pistol shooting is annoying, mainly because unlike Juan Antonio Flecha's arrow shooting it has nothing to do with his name. I guess Contador could pretend to 10-key instead. :p

I don't know who I want to win. I like Cadel for the win this year only because I love George Hincapie. Andy Schleck my by done for with his not so hot time trialing. He better get a hefty lead to hold off Contador on a long time trial. I want to see a Garmin guy in the top 10.

Not a big Levi fan, although his wife does some cool animal rescue, but he is American and seems like an alright guy. It would be good if he pulled himself on the podium, don't think he could win.

Veronica

07-12-2010, 12:35 PM

Contador's legs couldn't talk back to Schleck's yesterday. :)

Or was Contador holding something in reserve for tomorrow? It is a three week race after all and we still have the Pyrenees. Contador knows he can out time trial Schleck, so maybe he's pacing himself.

Really, it has just been such an exciting race so far. I hope Robbie Mcewen and Tyler Farrar both recover enough to do some sprinting. And I really want to see Oscar Freire get a stage.

Veronica

Aggie_Ama

07-12-2010, 12:40 PM

Or was Contador holding something in reserve for tomorrow? It is a three week race after all and we still have the Pyrenees. Contador knows he can out time trial Schleck, so maybe he's pacing himself.

On Cycling News his team (manager?) said he was having trouble breathing. No doubt the heat weakened a lot of guys. Sastre said it was brutal, I think he was getting readings of 40C on his computer? Eeek, I ride in that on occassion but couldn't imagine racing!

Dogmama

07-12-2010, 01:04 PM

I don't know who I want to win. I like Cadel for the win this year only because I love George Hincapie.

Gorgeous George - I think there should be a special award for him. He has helped so many people win, yet he's never received his share of accolades.

I'm "ABC" = Anybody But Contador. Although I do like Cadel for the same reason that you wrote, Aggie_Ama.

Sure seemed like Lance pooped out quickly. Wonder if he got his full dose of EPO? (Putting on my flameproof suit.)

Crankin

07-12-2010, 01:35 PM

I don't like Contador, either. Mostly just his persona, not so much the Lance stuff. I am not enamored much about any pro athletes, including cyclists. They are the way they are for a reason, and it does take a certain type of person to train like that...
I like watching the Tour just to see the riding, the sprints, the crashes, etc. I like seeing the different villages on the route, as well as the interviews with the riders.
My favorite part about the Tour is Bob Roll!

Norse

07-12-2010, 01:51 PM

I like watching the Tour just to see the riding, the sprints, the crashes, etc. I like seeing the different villages on the route, as well as the interviews with the riders.
My favorite part about the Tour is Bob Roll!

My favorite part is Phil and Paul. As Fat Cyclist Elden Nelson said, hearing their voices is like Christmas in July.

malkin

07-12-2010, 03:36 PM

Absolutely! +1 each for Phil & Paul!

jobob

07-12-2010, 03:37 PM

Contador's legs couldn't talk back to Schleck's yesterday. :)

If the "old man" who has done so much for cancer research and support - something that hits way too close to the heart in my family, including losing my father one year ago July 25th - can't do it one more time, than I would like to see someone other than finger-pistol-pointing Contador win it. Someone new, and someone who does not whine about his team while not being much of a team player himself. Talk to Kloden about that one.

I lost both of my parents to cancer.

That doesn't automatically translate into a "must love Lance" and "must loathe Contador" for me.

On another note, I do love listening to Phil and Paul :)

tulip

07-12-2010, 03:43 PM

I guess Contador could pretend to 10-key instead. :p

Aggie, the image of this made my day! Thanks!

Dogmama

07-12-2010, 04:46 PM

My favorite part about the Tour is Bob Roll!

I love how he talks with his hands. The Road ID commercial is good too, "Shoes, helmet, bazooka, Road ID."

Catrin

07-12-2010, 04:54 PM

I love how he talks with his hands. The Road ID commercial is good too, "Shoes, helmet, bazooka, Road ID."

It has been interesting to see that Road ID appears to be a sponsor - as much as they get mentioned. Here I thought they were a very small company! I can only imagine how much it must cost to be one of the sponsors of the TDF - though I am sure they have a lot of them.

I haven't seen that particular commercial, will see if I can find it. I miss being able to watch Versa!

berkeley

07-12-2010, 04:57 PM

Some spectators caught Lance's slide. Wow. Ouch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBftK8okyA&feature=player_embedded

I had to watch that twice. OUCH!!!

I'm in the ABC club too. Just can't get excited about him.

I was on my spin bike for the last climb of stage 8 yelling for Schleck to take the stage. Go Andy!

kacie tri-ing

07-13-2010, 05:41 AM

Norse

07-13-2010, 06:58 AM

I lost both of my parents to cancer.

That doesn't automatically translate into a "must love Lance" and "must loathe Contador" for me.

Um, it was not an "automatic must love Lance" for me either. I simply admire what he has done with the Livestrong organization and find Contador annoying.

arielmoon

07-13-2010, 07:40 AM

What an exciting stage today. Andy and Alberto battling it out on the climb then working together to catch the break away. Bummer about Cadel. Levi moves up to 6th but looses more time to the leaders. Wow.

ny biker

07-13-2010, 08:09 AM

Jens Voight eats nails for breakfast. Just sayin'.

berkeley

07-13-2010, 08:13 AM

Just saw that Cadel had a broken arm. I guess that would explain the day.

What a stage. So happy for Andy and Levi.

berkeley

07-13-2010, 08:13 AM

Jens Voight eats nails for breakfast. Just sayin'.

No kiddin'!!

Thorn

07-13-2010, 08:48 AM

Jens Voight eats nails for breakfast. Just sayin'.

+1

Did you catch the point when Schleck and Contador dropped him? He was trying so hard to stay with them so he could help Schleck on the descent, but then he cracked. Went from 60 to 0 in 0.01 seconds. The man is amazing. He really gave it his all.

arielmoon

07-13-2010, 10:56 AM

The man put everything into helping Andy and had nothing left. A true team player!

jobob

07-13-2010, 12:24 PM

Jens is fabulous.

ivorygorgon

07-13-2010, 08:00 PM

My heart really went out to Cadel! I love that Andy took the yellow.

ny biker

07-13-2010, 08:05 PM

+1

Did you catch the point when Schleck and Contador dropped him? He was trying so hard to stay with them so he could help Schleck on the descent, but then he cracked. Went from 60 to 0 in 0.01 seconds. The man is amazing. He really gave it his all.

I was yelling at the TV: SOMEBODY HELP HIM!!!

Dogmama

07-14-2010, 03:26 AM

Although I didn't want to see Lance go out of contention - primarily because I think the casual cycling audience will now stop watching...

I think it's great that people are paying attention to the other cyclists. Would Jens get this attention if Lance had been in contention? And Cadel's broken elbow - I can't imagine staying in with that kind of injury.

So, even though it's sad that Lance had a run of bad luck, it's good for the other cyclists. Other than Contador, I'd be happy seeing any of the top 10 win.

Aggie_Ama

07-14-2010, 04:51 AM

I think it's great that people are paying attention to the other cyclists. Would Jens get this attention if Lance had been in contention? And Cadel's broken elbow - I can't imagine staying in with that kind of injury.

Poor Cadel, I hairline fractured my elbow when I was 13 talk about pain! He is full of guts to say he won't abandon unless they think he will cause permanent damage.

Jens always looks like he will rip his handlebars off, I love him!

I like Bob, too bad you have to get Craig to see his show. We just fast forward to Ask Bobke. Phil and Paul are way more interesting to me anyway, even if Phil seems scatter brained this year.

7rider

07-14-2010, 05:08 AM

No wonder Cadel looked like he was going to heave for much of the race. Yikes.

I hope Jens got Most Combative for that stage. What a trooper.

AMP

07-14-2010, 05:34 AM

Keep an eye out for Denis Menchov of Rabobank. I think he likes having no attention...kinda like a stealth rider.
Wonder what 'Strong will do with his freedom. I'd actually like to see him win a stage, or just mess with the top teams for Levi.
Jeez, CycleGod...no more injuries for these boys please.

katluvr

07-14-2010, 05:38 AM

I LOVE watching Jens! He is not a smooth cyclist...watching him time trail is like watching someone have a fight with their bike for miles and miles. He was awesome yesterday. So sad when he finally blew up...nothing left.

I don't wish for crashes or injuries...by my goodness this has been an interesting tour!

K

Norse

07-14-2010, 07:06 AM

I think Jens Voight is absolutely fabulous. Watching him is pure inspiration. I felt so bad for Cadel yesterday ... and more mountains to come....

XMcShiftersonX

07-14-2010, 06:46 PM

Oh man I'm so glad a Portuguese guy won today!! Go Paulinho!! I'm Portuguese and I feel like I barely ever see any Portuguese cyclists, so this is really cool :D

redrhodie

07-15-2010, 05:47 AM

Oh man I'm so glad a Portuguese guy won today!! Go Paulinho!! I'm Portuguese and I feel like I barely ever see any Portuguese cyclists, so this is really cool :D

Belarusian here (well, 1/2) who is equally bummed! ;)

tulip

07-15-2010, 06:15 AM

My bit-o-Portuguese pride swelled up yesterday, too. But given that I'm a French citizen and it was the 14 juillet, I was a bit bummed that a French rider didn't win.

Zen

07-15-2010, 08:43 AM

ny biker

07-15-2010, 09:25 AM

This is interesting, about David Millar. He rode most of the last big mountain stage alone and in pain, but he didn't want to quit even if he missed the time cut.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/millar-battles-on-through-pain

I like his comment about breaking the big climb into 5k segments. That's a good technique when you're suffering and have a long way to go -- although my segments tend to be much shorter, i.e., to the next telephone poll. But still, it can help you get to the end.

ny biker

07-15-2010, 09:27 AM

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/7892761/Tour-de-France-2010-Mark-Renshaw-thrown-out-for-trying-to-headbutt-Julian-Dean-in-sprint.html

When I saw that I was shocked. Then I thought it must be the camera angle; they were sprinting so hard and wobbling side to side.
But no.

What was he thinking?

I haven't seen the footage yet but on the velonews live coverage, Charles Pelkey gave Renshaw the "wanker of the day" award for that headbutt. And Davis Phinney also thought it was DQ-worthy.

I'm glad no one crashed as a result.

Zen

07-15-2010, 09:29 AM

I'm glad no one crashed as a result.

Really.
That was incredibly dangerous.

arielmoon

07-15-2010, 09:33 AM

I saw the head butts when watching live but I missed Renshaw cutting Tyler off. No wonder he was so ticked off.

redrhodie

07-15-2010, 09:50 AM

The aftermath interviews were great. All the commentators were so revved up, I was expecting the guys would be livid, but no. Julian Dean was completely calm and just shrugged it off to "that's sprinting". It was about as upset as I've ever seen Farrar, but he was still not throwing wheels.

ETA: Renshaw's been thrown out.

XMcShiftersonX

07-15-2010, 11:29 AM

I'm so glad they kicked Renshaw out of the Tour... what a douche. It was obvious that both accounts were intentional. I don't like him and I don't like Cavendish. This was a similar situation to what Cavendish did to Thor last year. Then they try to play the "I didn't know I was doing anything wrong" BS. Please. They know the rules, they've been doing this long enough. I really like Farrar, he's a good sprinter and he plays fair.

ny biker

07-15-2010, 11:40 AM

redrhodie

07-15-2010, 11:46 AM

And yet the stories on velonews.com and cyclingnews.com say that Dean and Farrar were really mad. Hmmmm.

They apparently got madder after watching the video. Dean didn't know Renshaw had cut into Tyler's line, and Tyler didn't know about the headbutt.

Skierchickie

07-15-2010, 04:05 PM

That's the very behavior that turned me against Robbie McEwen a couple of years ago. I used to really like him until I saw him doing that.

tulip

07-15-2010, 04:59 PM

Wow, I just finished watching the stage on Tour Tracker (I can't watch live at work anymore--too obvious, even though I work from home!)

What a unpleasant couple of moves by Renshaw! I know nothing about the guy except that he's a great leadout guy. Now, however, he's totally lost any respect I had for him.

Other than that, I enjoyed the stage very much. Love that lavender.

berkeley

07-15-2010, 06:11 PM

Yeah, in that post race interview with Tyler, it was clear he was pretty POed. Ironically, they replayed the Hincapie debacle from last year during the broadcast... more HTC Columbia/Garmin drama...

The pace into the finish was crazy. I'm excited when I hit 35 MPH going downhill. lol

Possegal

07-15-2010, 06:24 PM

What a strange tour this has been this year. Who knows what the remaining days hold!

I agree about the Robbie McEwen thing - I liked him til I saw him do that same thing. I also liked Renshaw, but now not so much. And now, this pic, where he and Bernard Eisel are looking right at me, means a lot less to me. :)

Zen

07-15-2010, 06:42 PM

Who knows what the remaining days hold!

Can't make any bets on the drama in between but I know one guy who's gonna be on the podium. i saw that in him last year.

Also, stage 17 sounds like a great one to watch in it's entirety.

Eden

07-15-2010, 11:07 PM

Just finished watching....Renshaw's head butt was painfully obvious, but slowing it down, it does really look like Julian Dean "started it" by throwing an elbow at Renshaw ...., but Renshaw then nearly pushing Tyler into the barriers was pretty inexcusable.

Dogmama

07-16-2010, 04:31 AM

It seems like Renshaw's actions should have more consequences. He could have seriously injured somebody - perhaps ended a cycling career. Obviously Cavendish won, in part, due to Renshaw's actions. I think Cavendish's win should be stripped - just as if he had been doping. After all, he did not win "fair & square."

XMcShiftersonX

07-16-2010, 07:24 AM

Well, we'll see what taking away one of Cavendish's main lead out guys will do to him... it should be interesting.

tongue_tied

07-16-2010, 07:30 AM

Brent Bookwalter graduated from Lees McRae College a year before I did - our college continues to have a sick cycling team, constantly making the news because no one knows where the hell Banner Elk, North Carolina is :)

Zen

07-16-2010, 07:49 AM

The hill at the end today was incredible.
I kept expecting to see someone finally run out of steam and start walking.

arielmoon

07-16-2010, 07:50 AM

Very steep indeed. Very exciting there at the end.

malkin

07-16-2010, 09:43 AM

What's the conversation like in the Astana camp?

VINO: (in Russian) Glad you got 10 seconds 'Berto, but if you'd have helped me win the stage we'd be sharing 8k Euro right now.

CONTADOR: (in Spanish) Yay me! Viva Espana!

Catrin

07-16-2010, 10:18 AM

malkin

07-16-2010, 01:08 PM

What a strange tour this has been this year.

This makes me think of a highlights video with the Grateful Dead in the background...What a looonng, strange trip it's been....

Although some people might get tetchy about that livin' on reds, vitamin C and cocaine part.

Zen

07-16-2010, 01:58 PM

Although some people might get tetchy about that livin' on reds, vitamin C and cocaine part.

I don't know...do they test for that? ;)

ny biker

07-16-2010, 02:37 PM

I don't know...do they test for that? ;)

Ask Tom Boonen...

emily_in_nc

07-17-2010, 12:21 PM

Happy to see Vino get his stage win today, after Alberto ruined it for him yesterday. I understand that AC needed to gain time on Andy, but it was still rude. :mad: Obviously there were no hard feelings, tho; that was a very heart-felt lovefest between the two after the stage today. Nice to see. :)

tctrek

07-17-2010, 12:41 PM

Agree on Vino. He worked his butt off for that win. He's a beast!

ny biker

07-17-2010, 12:53 PM

BikeDutchess

07-17-2010, 09:59 PM

Here's an interview with Andy Schleck - I like this guy. The interview is in English, starting at 0:21.
http://nos.nl/video/172720-its-not-easy-to-be-andy-schleck.html

Zen

07-18-2010, 10:33 AM

I like him too.
I can't see him going the big ego route.

redrhodie

07-18-2010, 11:59 AM

I think, good for Vino, he certainly worked for that win, but -- Contador needs his team to work hard over the next few days in the mountains, so I wonder if maybe he left too much out on the road today and yesterday? I guess they're counting more on the pure climbers for support.

I was waiting to see how this would work out. I guess he left nothing on the road! He must eat nails for breakfast.

I'm still routing for a stage for Vasil Kiryienka. Good for him for trying again today.

This is such a great tour. Go Andy!

arielmoon

07-18-2010, 12:28 PM

Vino is impressive that is for sure.

Here's an interview with Andy Schleck - I like this guy. The interview is in English, starting at 0:21.
http://nos.nl/video/172720-its-not-easy-to-be-andy-schleck.html

Oh he so adorable!!

I am wondering about his strategy. He has been covering Contador's attacks but he needs more than a 31" buffer for the time trial. Realistically he needs several minutes!

Eden

07-18-2010, 12:37 PM

My hubby figures Andy needs to wait until the *last* climb to make his move. If he gains time before then Berto will then attack him on the next one, so Andy's best strategy is to cover Berto until the last major climb and hedge his bets on being able to gain some time on that one. And also - that last climb is the Tourmalet - and its a doozy, so saving his energy and just marking Berto in anticipation of that day is probably not such a bad idea.

tctrek

07-18-2010, 12:42 PM

Another rider turned himself inside-out today - wow, I didn't know Christophe Riblon but he rode his heart out. I like that the French are having a good tour and every day is an exciting race.

loopybunny

07-18-2010, 03:45 PM

I'm still waiting for Levi Leipheimer to make a move. I really want to be able to say I've "ridden with" a Tour de France winner, not just that I've been dropped by the son of one.

Skierchickie

07-18-2010, 04:14 PM

Who besides Andy Schleck could say "If anybody wants to drop me tomorrow, they'll have to be good", and just make me love him even more? :D I soooo want him to put some time on Contador. At his age - is it possible that he's the next Armstrong/Indurain/Merxx? His potential just seems unlimited.

On the other hand, I just can NOT trust Vino. Not after what he pulled a couple of years ago. The harder he pulls, the more days in a row, the less I trust him. Of all the dopers, I think I trust him the least. After his entire team got thrown out for doping, then he got himself on another team the next year, rode just like he's been riding for the past week, and - whaddaya know - got caught doping. To me that says he was determined to do it. Thrown out once already, but thought he could get away with it. :mad: Yeah, it's possible that he's clean now, but I have no reason to believe him. I think that as a cycling fan I feel more betrayed by him than by any of the others.

Go Andy & Levi!

loopybunny

07-18-2010, 06:37 PM

On the other hand, I just can NOT trust Vino. Not after what he pulled a couple of years ago. The harder he pulls, the more days in a row, the less I trust him. Of all the dopers, I think I trust him the least. After his entire team got thrown out for doping, then he got himself on another team the next year, rode just like he's been riding for the past week, and - whaddaya know - got caught doping.

I asked yesterday, if Vino can ride like he has the last couple of days, why in the world did he ever dope?

Makes me wonder if he was honest and never did dope or if he's still doping. I don't trust him either. (Didn't he more or less admit to doping after that big win earlier in the year when everyone booed him?)

However, one of the biggest things that bothers me about him is his attitude. When he first came off of suspension at his first race he wore a jersey with a huge picture of himself on it that said "Vino forever" or something like that. Wow.

Aggie_Ama

07-18-2010, 07:38 PM

Very cool - and what a HILL they had to climb :eek:

I don't have Versa, but am on the final day of house-cat sitting for a friend. They have it. I think the cat needs more company, yeah, that's it! The cat needs more company because he is lonely and stuff - so will head back this evening to see the prime-time coverage. They even said I can sleep there if I want (I do not want) so I know they won't mind.

It is good we live in the same apartment complex...

Can't let the cat get lonely ;)

My cat is actually does get lonely! She has a dog like personality - greets you at the door, wants to be with you every minute (okay until your cat is staring at you shaving your legs) and looks depressed when we leave. She can tell by our packing and seems to pout. I used to be able to get a friend to come by and entertain my animals because she didn't have cable.

Today's stage was good. I was hoping Menchov would gain more time and Sastre wouldn't get caught. I loved Riblon winning, he looked like he might cry!

Aquila

07-19-2010, 07:59 AM

Amazing stage today. Sad for Andy Schleck, but he was doing an amazing job catching up until the downhill. And he seems to have real class (from his interview after).

Catrin

07-19-2010, 08:06 AM

Amazing stage today. Sad for Andy Schleck, but he was doing an amazing job catching up until the downhill. And he seems to have real class (from his interview after).

What happened? Ummm, probable too early to tell me :( I don't have access to Versus, but am sure there will be something online tonight when I get home...

redrhodie

07-19-2010, 08:23 AM

That was so stressful! My stomach was in a knot from the point when his chain went off right until the end. Talk about bad luck. But, as much as I'm a fan of Andy, I felt a little bad for AC for the crowd's reaction. I don't think he had much choice but to race, given the place of Menchov and Sanchez.

channlluv

07-19-2010, 09:20 AM

Okay, who the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is in charge of chain maintenance? Oy.

I actually did feel badly for Contador, as I'm not much of a fan of his, but I do think he only took advantage because he couldn't do anything else, not at that point in the race, even if he had realized that Andy had had a mechanical failure and hadn't just popped on the climb. If he had waited, they'd have both been passed up by that whole group of lead riders and the time splits would be even narrower. I think he did the only thing a competitive contender for the title could do.

Andy, however, made an amazing come back. Did you see him passing all those guys on the ascent like they were standing still? I wonder what Lance thought as Andy blew past him.

Roxy

Zen

07-19-2010, 09:24 AM

I actually did feel badly for Contador

So did I. It was poor sportsmanship on the part of the fans to boo him. Like you said, what else could he do?

"My stomach is full of fire"
Andy will be back with a vengeance.

BikeHN

07-19-2010, 09:27 AM

Triskeliongirl

07-19-2010, 09:32 AM

Don't forget how Schleck took time on Contador in the first place on the cobbles. You didn't see Schleck wait for him then so why should Contador wait for him now? Its a bike race. S--t happens. There are crashes, mechanicals, etc. Its just part of it.

Veronica

07-19-2010, 09:45 AM

What did Ullrich do when Lance hit the deck with a musette? He sat up! What did the riders do when Lance took his little sojourn across the field to avoid Beloki. They sat up!

It's not a very sporting way to take the lead. As I recall Contador rode well on the cobbles. Certainly much better than anyone expected.

Veronica

BikeHN

07-19-2010, 10:00 AM

Well said Veronica. But, I guess if you feel comfortable winning a bike race by taking time on people with mech. failures or crashes then go for it. It is indeed a race.

arielmoon

07-19-2010, 10:12 AM

It is a race but one that has a tradition of respect and sportsmanship out on the course. I dont like that he attacked while the yellow jersey had a mechanical but technically he was not wrong. AC is there to win the TDF not to win fans. Personally I have respect the man's ability and talent but not much else.

On the Eurosport broadcast the commentators said a poll was split 50/50 as to if AC did the right thing. However, they were sure it would have 100% in favor if AC had waited.

Dogmama

07-19-2010, 10:29 AM

Hey - didn't he say he'd be a domestique for Levi? Has he actually done that? Maybe I missed it.

XMcShiftersonX

07-19-2010, 10:32 AM

"I want to take my revenge." I love Andy Schleck. **** Contador!!

ny biker

07-19-2010, 10:33 AM

I partly agree channlluv, but I think if Contador would've sat up and called off the attack Sanchez & Menchov would've followed suit. It wasn't Contador's fault that Schleck's chain popped off, but I wouldn't want to be the one to take adv. of that situation. Just sit up, call it even for the day, then come out tomorrow ready to battle.

I also think that if Contador had sat up and told Menchov and Sanchez to wait, they would have done so. I don't even think they would have had to call it even for today -- they could have waited for Schleck to catch up and then start racing again.

redrhodie

07-19-2010, 10:50 AM

Gotta add--Yay to Tommy Voeckler! Awesome ride today.

Veronica

07-19-2010, 10:58 AM

And Hesjedal!

I hope he can hold on to a top ten. He's really coming through for the team.

Veronica

ny biker

07-19-2010, 11:06 AM

Comment on today's stage by Gerard Vroomen of Cervelo: Contador just gained a great chance to win, but he lost the chance to win greatly.

Seems like opinions are pretty divided among the cycling community. I don't believe that Contador didn't know what happened to Schleck -- even if he didn't see it himself, the team manager would have known.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see how the battle continues tomorrow. Andy is clearly climbing well right now. Astana will have to work at the front tomorrow so maybe Saxo Bank will have a teammate or two who are able to stay with Schleck on the climbs, unlike today.

As for Lance, he's been pretty quiet lately, on the bike and off. He hasn't even been helping with the team's fight for the team classification. I'm wondering if he was more seriously hurt during that crash in the Alps then they let on.

channlluv

07-19-2010, 11:11 AM

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm rooting for Andy all the way. I'm just not sure Contador really had an alternative that late in the stage. And I'm not sure he actually saw the chain pop off -- he said so in a post-race interview on Versus. He may not have realized that it was a mechanical problem and not just that Andy was done on the mountain.

On the other hand, he must have realized it as he blew past Andy...

Regarding Lance serving as domestique for Levi, I, um, think you have to be able to ride in front of the GC in order to be domestique, yes? The way he's riding, I think Lance is happy to hang in the front half of the peleton.

Roxy

laury

07-19-2010, 11:30 AM

So sad and frustrating to see Andy lose like that today. He has so much exuberance and joy for cycling that I cheer like mad for him. But he is still a young guy with a lot less experience than Contador, Menchov and Sanchez. I think today will be part of his overall growth and maturation as a team leader. It's nice that he is buddies with some of his rivals but now he knows this isn't sleep away camp. These guys will eat you alive if they get the chance. Hope he can channel his anger and disappointment into taking back the lead. Riis needs to guide him well tonight.

Zen

07-19-2010, 11:33 AM

As for Lance, he's been pretty quiet lately, on the bike and off. He hasn't even been helping with the team's fight for the team classification. I'm wondering if he was more seriously hurt during that crash in the Alps then they let on.

I think his ego is bruised more than whatever he hurt in the Alps.
It's not the All About Lance Show anymore.

ny biker

07-19-2010, 11:59 AM

I think his ego is bruised more than whatever he hurt in the Alps.
It's not the All About Lance Show anymore.

Eh. It's certainly possible, but given his position as owner of the team, I don't think it's most likely.

ny biker

07-19-2010, 12:02 PM

And here we have Bikesnob's take on today's stage:

Having actually ridden over fallen human beings in order to secure triple-digit placings, I lack sufficient integrity to criticize Contador.

Zen

07-19-2010, 01:17 PM

What's really amazing about Andy is that at one point he was 45 seconds back and in the end only 8 seconds from Berto.

Blue_Fedora

07-19-2010, 01:21 PM

What's really amazing about Andy is that at one point he was 45 seconds back and in the end only 8 seconds from Berto.

He just "ran out of road"... had there been an extra km or two, he could've made up all 45.

channlluv

07-19-2010, 02:26 PM

Blue_Fedora

07-19-2010, 03:14 PM

Yeah, did you SEE that ride uphill just passing these world class riders like they were...me! Damn, that was impressive.

But what would make a chain skip like that? I heard someone mention grinding through the gears or something like that.

And I love how Voekler was bowing and honoring the crowd on his way in. Vive la France!

Roxy

Not sure what Any did since I haven't watched the video yet but from personal experience I can't count how many times I have dropped MY chain. For me it happens when I'm already in one chain ring and all the way at the highest or lowest gear there and try to keep going. When it finally stopped happening to me I thought it had just been me repeatedly making a rookie mistake or not paying attention or what have you. And then a couple of weeks ago it happened AGAIN. At first it sounds like the gear just won't "catch" and then I keep fiddling with the shifter trying to make it catch and then, well, that's that... welcome to chain-dump city :(

My heart was in my stomach listening to the coverage on yahoo uk eurosports... I'm almost afraid to actually watch the coverage. Such a gut wrenching feeling :(

I predict it will light a fire in Andy and he'll be on a mission now.

Zen

07-19-2010, 03:23 PM

I predict it will light a fire in Andy and he'll be on a mission now.

I guess you haven't seen Andy giving this post race interview (http://www.versus.com/cycling/)

XMcShiftersonX

07-19-2010, 04:09 PM

And here we have Bikesnob's take on today's stage:

Having actually ridden over fallen human beings in order to secure triple-digit placings, I lack sufficient integrity to criticize Contador.

Ha! That's hilarious :p

Zen

07-19-2010, 04:35 PM

That Andy just keeps getting cuter and cuter (to me, anyway):p
http://twitter.com/andy_schleck?source=onebox

berkeley

07-19-2010, 05:05 PM

Well, I was ABC before today, and that hasn't changed. lol

GO ANDY!

Aggie_Ama

07-19-2010, 06:59 PM

Contador is a hell of rider but far from a professional. Let's not forget last year he attacked his own teammate and claimed his radio wasn't working. In cycling there is "the gentlemen's agreement" you don't attack on a wreck or mechanical. Who wants to win knowing it was a slipped chain that got it? It wasn't his legs that got yellow and he will have to sleep tonight knowing that. Never liked Contador, like him less now.

Love Vroomen's quote, that is what I would have wanted to say. Andy's interview was a classy as he can be, I would have wanted to hit Berto with my bike! If he had beat Schleck on his skill I would have respected his talent, not this year. :rolleyes::rolleyes: If he wins it is tarnished in my eyes.

ny biker

07-19-2010, 07:04 PM

Alberto has posted an apology on youtube.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/contador-makes-youtube-apology-to-schleck

tulip

07-19-2010, 07:12 PM

Whew, that was exciting! I'm so happy for yet another French win! Yesterday's was fantastic, and today with Voekler was just great, too. Where are all the French-haters now??

I think if Contador was a more likable character (I still don't get the hate, but whatever), we wouldn't hear so many complaints about how he took advantage of the situation. It did not happen at the beginning of the race, but near the end. The Lance-musette crash was at the base of Tourmelet; today was at the top--big difference.

That Sammy Sanchez is a crazy descender. Now if Andy had had Sammy to follow down, he would have made up more time.

tulip

07-19-2010, 07:21 PM

What's really amazing about Andy is that at one point he was 45 seconds back and in the end only 8 seconds from Berto.

Well actually, he was 31 seconds ahead overall to start, and ended up 8 seconds behind. From my accounting, that means he lost 39 seconds. So if he was 45 seconds behind Alberto on the climb/descent today, that would really mean that the biggest gap was 14 seconds overall (and he ended up 8 seconds behind, so he did make up some lost time), since he started with a 31 second lead. You make it sound like he made up 37 seconds, which he did not. He actually lost 39 seconds.

I like Andy alot, and would love to see him win the whole thing, but Alberto is a professional and very talented. You've got to give him credit.

As for Lance...is this Lance racing clean? With such a dramatic decline, that's just about all I can think of to explain it. Kindof puts a damper on the all that Lance-Alberto hype that was stuffed down or throats at the beginning of this. I hope it's not true, but I see no other explanation, unless he just totally slacked and ate cake and ice cream instead of training.

snapdragen

07-19-2010, 08:06 PM

As for Lance...is this Lance racing clean?

I think it's just Lance racing old.... :rolleyes::D

ny biker

07-19-2010, 08:27 PM

As for Lance...is this Lance racing clean? With such a dramatic decline, that's just about all I can think of to explain it. Kindof puts a damper on the all that Lance-Alberto hype that was stuffed down or throats at the beginning of this. I hope it's not true, but I see no other explanation, unless he just totally slacked and ate cake and ice cream instead of training.

No, he's mentally checked out and ready to go home. Has actually said as much. He was in good form at the Tour de Suisse and many people thought he could finish on the podium this year. But once he was too far behind for that, he moved on in his head.

If it were because he suddenly stopped doping, it wouldn't make sense to do it up to the beginning of this race and then stop.

Crankin

07-20-2010, 03:15 AM

I like that expression, "biking old."
That's what's wrong with me!
Seriously, I think you are right, here. Even if you are the fittest athlete around, eventually, something's gotta go south as you age. And yes, I think Lance has mentally checked out, which is fine. I like him, but I also like several of the other riders and I have learned a little more about some of them, without all of the focus on Lance.

Deborajen

07-20-2010, 05:24 AM

That Andy just keeps getting cuter and cuter (to me, anyway):p
http://twitter.com/andy_schleck?source=onebox

Yeah, poor guy! Can you imagine being really pi$$ed and trying to vent in a foreign language? He could've "really . . mff . . . . mff . . . . . . had much anger . . . in . . . in . . . in sister's donkey farm!" (or who knows where??) :D:D:D

beccaB

07-20-2010, 05:44 AM

Andy is so cute, I wish he was my kid.

channlluv

07-20-2010, 07:26 AM

ny biker

07-20-2010, 07:52 AM

Lance showed up today!

Love him or hate him, I think he's really fun to watch when he's in form. I really wanted him to take that sprint. He just said on Versus, though that "Lance Armstrong is over in about four or five days. But I wasn't the oldest guy in the breakaway."

Do you think he'll go back to triathlon?

Roxy

He's already said he's going to race some tris with Radio Shack as his sponsor. I think he saw the race courses in Hawaii and France this year and thought they looked like fun.

Wednesday should be interesting. Or Thursday? What day is it today? I'm still high on Benedryl. Anyway the next mountain stage should be interesting.

arielmoon

07-20-2010, 07:54 AM

This stage had me on the edge of my seat rooting for Lance! That was fun even though he wasnt able to out sprint the other guys. :)

7rider

07-20-2010, 09:20 AM

So what's the deal with Voekler and his little short-shorts???

Compare and contrast Contador and where the bottom of his shorts fall on his thigh, to Voekler. Is he just showing off his legs or does Bbox go for the shorty short look??

ny biker

07-20-2010, 09:25 AM

SheFly

07-20-2010, 10:01 AM

I noticed that too yesterday -- he definitely flashes more thigh than most.

Not that I'm complaining :D

SheFly

redrhodie

07-20-2010, 10:03 AM

Not that I'm complaining :D

SheFly

His body has totally transformed over the years. I don't mind the shorts, either.

7rider

07-20-2010, 10:24 AM

He was looking pretty cut! :D

carinapir

07-20-2010, 10:38 AM

Contador apologized to Andy http://tinyurl.com/2ubpm7y and they are friends again (see twitter). That's nice to hear. I'm an Andy fan but I would feel bad if Contador wins and everyone hates him. I think he did what he thought he needed to do at the time.

ny biker

07-20-2010, 11:04 AM

"Broken ribs are overrated anyway."

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/07/news/jens-voigt-shrugs-off-another-high-speed-crash_130284

ny biker

07-20-2010, 07:08 PM

So I'm watching the full coverage of today's stage now. Phil and Paul were really arguing about Contador and Schleck!! I hope they hugged it out afterwards. It was pretty tense there for a while.

loopybunny

07-20-2010, 07:48 PM

Chris Horner!!

He blogged that he was really suffering today. If so, I love his suffer face. Definitely the best one in the peloton.

My mom sent me a great e-mail saying, "They showed a lot of Chris... surprise, surprise, he was smiling!"

*swoon*

snapdragen

07-20-2010, 09:17 PM

This stage had me on the edge of my seat rooting for Lance! That was fun even though he wasnt able to out sprint the other guys. :)

Watching him did bring a smile to my face. :D

Catrin

07-21-2010, 02:47 AM

I have been searching You Tube and have found some of the interviews - and thanks for the links! I imagine the only way that I could see any actual coverage is to pay for the online Versus feed :( I am just stretched too thin this month to justify the expense - but am getting my new saddle tomorrow :)

SheFly

07-21-2010, 03:26 AM

"Broken ribs are overrated anyway."

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/07/news/jens-voigt-shrugs-off-another-high-speed-crash_130284

As much as I loved the way Voeckler looked in those shorts, I LOVE Jens. Check out his account of the crash, and HOW he managed to get back in...
http://www.bicycling.com/tour-de-france/tour-features/saying-no-sag-wagon

When he retires, it will be a sad, sad day.

SheFly

Bike Chick

07-21-2010, 03:34 AM

I love Jens! He is just a class act. He was at the Tour of Missouri last year and always stopped to talk to people and sign autographs for the kids.....and seemed to enjoy doing it.

pll

07-21-2010, 05:03 AM

So I'm watching the full coverage of today's stage now. Phil and Paul were really arguing about Contador and Schleck!! I hope they hugged it out afterwards. It was pretty tense there for a while.

I saw that last night! I'm not part of the "ABC" camp, but don't buy for a second that Contador did not see Schleck's problem with the chain. I tend to side with Phil -- it was a rash decision he regretted later; by then, it was too late to do anything. Christian VandeVelde (http://twitter.com/ChristianVDV) quoted Hesjedal about the dropped chain: "If you draw your sword and you drop it, you die." That's a pretty good summary.

I can't wait to see tomorrow's stage.

tulip

07-21-2010, 05:08 AM

7rider

07-21-2010, 05:12 AM

As much as I loved the way Voeckler looked in those shorts, I LOVE Jens. Check out his account of the crash, and HOW he managed to get back in...
http://www.bicycling.com/tour-de-france/tour-features/saying-no-sag-wagon

Wow. I've never actually ever seen anyone riding a neutral bike.

RE: Contador....I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt that - even if he did attack (I like that: 'If you draw the sword and drop it, you die") - and even if he knew that Schleck threw a chain - he probably didn't think Schleck would be fumbling for so long on the side of the road.

arielmoon

07-21-2010, 05:37 AM

Veronica

07-21-2010, 05:38 AM

Zen

07-21-2010, 08:25 AM

'It's going to take days to kill all these people' :D

berkeley

07-21-2010, 12:55 PM

Levi's new bike!

http://www.livestrong.com/teamradioshack/video_levi-leipheimer-introduces-his-new-trek-bike/dbdbc9a9-bbca-455a-ab1b-ecd6e7f03a31/

redrhodie

07-21-2010, 02:31 PM

How'd you like that mountain they were descending? They get to go back up it tomorrow. I love the scenery of the Tour. I follow along in my big map of France book for future bike trips.

Too bad for Barredo that he couldn't keep going. He was so disappointed--leading 44 km only to be caught with 1 km to go. Christophe Moreau did all the work to catch him in the end.

Kudos to Pierrick Fredrigo for winning the stage. Two in a row for BBox/Bouyges. There are lots of very talented riders this year, and it's so refreshing to get coverage of them.

French riders have won many stages this year, which I find quite refreshing, too.

Afterward, Lance said Barredo was hard to catch, but it looked to me like they let him dangle in the wind.

I can only imagine the partying being done by Bbox today. They've got to be stoked, 2 stages in a row. Good for them!

Is it starting at 6:30 tomorrow morning? Jeez, that's early. I got up the other time it was that early, and there was no racing shown for over an hour. I felt like a chump.

Did anyone see the pieces on Versus on Contador's hometown, Pinto? They totally distorted the image with high contrast and funky editing, and I couldn't get much out of it. It was frustrating to watch. I wonder why they did that?

Veronica

07-21-2010, 02:37 PM

Is it starting at 6:30 tomorrow morning? Jeez, that's early. I got up the other time it was that early, and there was no racing shown for over an hour. I felt like a chump.

That's freakin' 3:30 here!

I actually don't mind. I get up at 4 anyway. Gotta love my DVR though. :D

When we first started watching years ago, we were recording it on a single VCR tape over and over...

Veronica

berkeley

07-21-2010, 06:27 PM

Jens gives a tour of his hotel room:

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

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

LOL

ivorygorgon

07-21-2010, 07:15 PM

What a cutie pie!!!

Zen

07-21-2010, 08:17 PM

:D
"Having things organized is for small minds.A genius controls chaos."

Oh I love that so hard.

Then the horse blanket thing. He's funny

And those accents can really get to a woman :rolleyes:

Thanks for posting that.

azfiddle

07-21-2010, 08:29 PM

Me too Zen- I would have quoted that same line but you beat me to it!

Bike Chick

07-22-2010, 02:46 AM

He's such a great guy, isn't he? I just love him and then when he pulls the pictures of his kids out of the suitcase.....well, I just love him that much more:D

Can't wait to see what happens today.

Dogmama

07-22-2010, 04:33 AM

7rider

07-22-2010, 04:40 AM

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?

Winning a stage doesn't mean you get a yellow jersey.
And what's wrong with wanting to win a stage?
Probably every guy on that tour wants to win a stage.

katluvr

07-22-2010, 04:51 AM

When we first started watching years ago, we were recording it on a single VCR tape over and over...

Veronica

Yep, remember those days...thank goodness for DVR. I am off today so will catch it intermittantly (since they rebroadcast multiple times), but try to save the end until tonight to was w GF and enjoy a drink!

And Jens...OMG he is so cute and funny! I loved that video...and the quote! And the comment about the blanket--that he would only use it on a horse!

Thanks all for sharing!

K

K

channlluv

07-22-2010, 06:20 AM

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