Say It Isn't So (TDF Stage 11- SPOILER)

[Aggie_Ama]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13841688/

While I am glad Floyd is in yellow, I was rooting for George... You just have to love a guy who shows his dedication to the team side of the sport. Maybe he can still get a stage win. :(


“It’s just not coming together for me. Very disappointed,” said Hincapie, who placed 46th, a whopping 21:23 back. The race for the overall title “is over for me,” he said.

[Brandy]

I'd love to see Landis win it. I'm still in awe of his story!

[jobob]

Maybe he can still get a stage win.

Paging Oscar Pereiro !

ducking and running ...

:D

[Lenusik]

I like George too, but I cannot see him winning. And I seriously do not care for Floyd Landis. His story might be very special, but I am just wondering why he suddenly decided to make it a "story". he knew about his condition for two years and so did his team. Suddenly he decided that it is time to share it in the middle of the Tour. Maybe he will win this year and his story would be special, but bringing attention to himslef this way - not appreciated.

[Dogmama]

and Basso abandoned! He was really having it tough - anybody know what happened?

I agree about Gorgeous George, though. Really thought he could get it together in the mountains. Maybe he got too much wind drag from his ears? :p

I like Floyd, though. It would be great if an American could win TdF again (with apologies to our sisters on the other side of the pond.)

I saw a blog where they said T-Mobile is glad that Ullrich was bounced because he wasn't a team player. They also said that T-Mobile might be trying to placate their sponsor too.

Those guys sure suffer going up the mountains!

[snapdragen]

I believe Floyd released the story because a newpaper or magazine was going to write about it anyway.

I don't understand always questioning why people do things, like there is some ulterior motive in it.

[jobob]

and Basso abandoned! you mean Mayo?

[SouthernBelle]

I had hopes for George, but from what I've gotten to watch, Disco seems disorganized. I don't know whether that's from management or that George isn't a take charge, give orders kinda guy.

[Brandy]

I believe Floyd released the story because a newpaper or magazine was going to write about it anyway.

I don't understand always questioning why people do things, like there is some ulterior motive in it.

I agree. It's not like releasing the story is going to make him ride faster or climb hills better.

[maillotpois]

My impression was that he (Floyd) wanted to control how the facts were released.

How ironic is it that Mayo just can't climb in his own mountains in the Tour? Just the same as 2004. So weird.

Evans looked pretty solid. And I was SO glad to see Levi make a bit of a comeback!

[jeannierides]

I was hoping George would be strong too, but if not George, then Landis. He's one of the good guys. Without a team leader, Team Discovery seems to be falling apart. :(

[Lenusik]

I just think he could have released this information when he learned about it. Not like it would go away by itself. Being such a known athlete, a public figure, things get questioned all the time. And they have to be fair to the public.
Regardless, all those guys who ride in a Tour are very tough and they all deserve to win.

[jobob]

That was a very pleasant surprise to see Levi do so well today. Here's hoping he's turned it around.

[bcipam]

[QUOTE=Dogmama]and Basso abandoned! He was really having it tough - anybody know what happened?

QUOTE]

You meant Mayo - Basso was eliminated through drug charges... Mayo has been sick with a virus from the beginning.

This was an awesome stage today. The ending couldn't have been more exciting and perfect. Menchov won the stage and deserved to. His support - Rasmussen and Boggert were just outstanding and deserved to share in this win. Floyd Landis has so far ridden a smart race and deserved to be in the yellow jersey. Just hope he keeps it. I always wonder what would have happened with Floyd stayed with Postal/Discovery?

And Levi, after having such a bad start - what a great finish. He definitely has being a Tour winner in him. Just need to get his team behind him.

Can't wait for the Alps. I love all the mountain stages. I can't imagine what it was like today to ride the Tourmalet and all those Cat 1 climbs. What an exhausting day!

I would like to see Disco do better but I think this year is a recovery year for them. They need to build up with a leader again although Azevedo did well today.

Anyway flat stages and a rest and then the Alps. Whoo Boy. Can't wait!

[slinkedog]

I just think he could have released this information when he learned about it. Not like it would go away by itself. Being such a known athlete, a public figure, things get questioned all the time. And they have to be fair to the public.
Regardless, all those guys who ride in a Tour are very tough and they all deserve to win.

I don't know if you read the article that someone linked to in another thread, but Landis was trying to keep his condition a secret because he was afraid he would lose his job. He even made it through a team physical without it being detected. You should read the article... it's really good!

[spazzdog]

Mayo seems to always "be sick" at TdF time. He hasn't performed up to his hype since 2003.

It's been interesting to watch the scattiwompus way each stage seems to work out... today's was exciting to watch with all the change ups.

But my big question is what's up with Discovery? They've all ridden like gods in support of Lance. He's not there... but their cumulative talent is. Is there a "power" struggle within the ranks, i.e. Bruyneel didn't name a leader so no one is supporting anyone. Nor is anyone seizing the opportunity to BE the leader. It's bizarre to watch that much talent fall further and further down the GC.

spazz-o-rant-over

[Deborajen]

. . . Landis was trying to keep his condition a secret because he was afraid he would lose his job. He even made it through a team physical without it being detected. . .

Do these guys have entirely too many endorphins or what? ;) That's amazing!

I'm a fan of Floyd, but I'd picked George to win today so I'm a little disappointed for George. Hate to hear him say it's over for him this Tour. Look at Levi's comeback today. With all the ups and downs, who knows where they'll all end up. It certainly isn't boring!

Deb

[snapdragen]

I don't know if you read the article that someone linked to in another thread, but Landis was trying to keep his condition a secret because he was afraid he would lose his job. He even made it through a team physical without it being detected. You should read the article... it's really good!

Exactly! And the same article also says how much he hates whiners --- "I didn't win because of this or that" He wan't about to use his hip as an excuse.

[SadieKate]

And they have to be fair to the public.Why would disclosing this information be "fair to the public"? Fair is competing on a level playing field according to the rules. Perhaps you think each rider should disclose every headache or toothache each morning? What possible need is there for the public to know this information?

Floyd has performed superbly and fullfilled the terms of his contract. I doubt that the contract has an obligation to report his health to the world and put his job at risk. Was it Cofidis that cancelled Lance's contract when his cancer was diagnosed? Bet they're regretting that decision.

[maillotpois]

What possible need is there for the public to know this information?


But what if I want to know??? I especially want to know if they've had Liqui-Gas...

[SadieKate]

Personally? The less I know about their body fluids the better . . .

[Running Mommy]

WOW!! The tone in this thread seems, well.. a bit contentious!
I've been away for a few weeks, what has happened?? :confused:
Anyhoo...
Personally I like Floyd. And not just because of this revelation. I read a story on him a long time ago about how he got into the sport. He really is a rebel! The story that was linked on msnbc talks a bit about it. He certainly wasn't shown much support by his family for his love of cycling!!
And like some of the others I think he was forced to say something after the story had come out about it. He probably just wanted to make sure the facts were straight. And as for not disclosing it before now? Well, maybe he just didn't think it was something the public needed to know about?? I dunno??
Who cares?? I mean sheesh!! Let's admire these boys for their riding ability and not pull them apart!!
I was also screamiing my head off at the tv for Levi this morning. He lives in my hometown (well part of the year at least :p ) so I'll ALWAYS root for him! Plus I've talked to him before and he's a really really nice guy! This was a few years back before Lance fever really took hold, so I think he was surprised I recognized him. But he had his rabobank knickers on- so it was easy!! :D

[maillotpois]

I was also screamiing my head off at the tv for Levi this morning. He lives in my hometown (well part of the year at least :p ) so I'll ALWAYS root for him! Plus I've talked to him before and he's a really really nice guy! This was a few years back before Lance fever really took hold, so I think he was surprised I recognized him. But he had his rabobank knickers on- so it was easy!! :D


Ditto on that - he is SUPER nice. And so quiet and modest. I rode a charity ride with him last year and talked to him about the day I spent hanging out with his parents and brother in the Massif Central during the tour the year before. They are so supportive of him - but he was so cute when I mentioned it. Like he was almost embarassed by the amount of attention they gave him.

He's about the same size as my 10 year old daughter, too... :rolleyes:

Dave Z and Fast Freddy were on the ride, too. Difficult to ride in a straight line when you see Fred.... he's so purty!!

[Dogmama]

you mean Mayo?

Yeah - that's what I get for trying to work & talk to you folks at the same time! :p

I read that Team Disco doesn't even have the premier parking spot for their RV - today they are next to the porta-potties!

Regarding their organization - maybe nobody WANTED to be their team leader? It would be a lot of pressure - always being compared to His Majesty.

[slinkedog]

But what if I want to know??? I especially want to know if they've had Liqui-Gas...

LOL! I'm so bummed that they took all the good stuff off of DZ's site! Although there was a checkers question a few days ago... :)

[jobob]

There's another DZ site that's more in character ...

http://www.davezabriskie.missingsaddle.com/

(his official site, http://www.davezabriskie.com/ has become entirely too tame !)

[slinkedog]

Aha! Will go have a look-see! Thanks, Jo!! :)

[jobob]

from schmalz stage 11 :


Simoni is back at the front, claiming that Landis offered him $40 to get him a water bottle.


Floyd will get yellow depending on the gaps. His teammates will not know until they finish tomorrow.


http://www.nyvelocity.com/content.php?id=890

[Kalidurga]

I am just wondering why he suddenly decided to make it a "story". he knew about his condition for two years and so did his team. Suddenly he decided that it is time to share it in the middle of the Tour. Maybe he will win this year and his story would be special, but bringing attention to himslef this way...

I could be entirely off base with this assumption, but...

Bike racing is as much mental as it is physical. The weekly RoadBikeRider e-newsletter recently had an article about psyching out your opponent. Floyd seems to be a smart guy. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if he timed this announcement strategically to psyche out his fellow Tour riders. Kind of like saying "You think you're tough enough to beat me? Look at what I've been dealing with! Bring it!!"

Some folks might find that offensive but, personally, I think it's pretty darned cunning.

[tprevost]

I loved today's stage!!!! I am routing for Floyd because I just like the guy, darned it... he marches to his own drummer. I was bummed out for George though and definately expected him to have a better day today :( BUT, Levi made up for that a bit... what a fabulous performance for him!!! YEAHHHH!!

But, I want y'all to know that I'm gonna give Floyd time to get his hip thing back together then I'm gonna find out where he's riding and track that guy down! Okay, I would never bug him (other than to say great job or something) but it sure would be cool to ride by him (the opposite way, of course, since I might as well be standing still if he was going the same direction ;) ) I hear he has several favorite climbs right near me :p

Trac'

[Running Mommy]

Yeah Trac- those guys are FAST!! I've had Levi and his crew pass me a couple of times when I was out training for a marathon. I could hear them coming like a freight train! And when they blew by me... Well, yeah they BLEW by me!! I actually felt a gust of wind!!
But yeah, Levi is super cool. One day I was out running and I saw him in a parking lot getting ready for a ride. I slowed down and said "Congrats on a great tour Levi". It was prolly late summer or early fall after he had placed really well in the tdf. He looked SHOCKED that not only did I know who he was, but I knew how well he had done!!
Like I said, a VERY nice, and VERY humble guy!! He's had a rough tour up to now, and he sure is being gracious about it.

[bikerchick68]

hey tprevost... we can go searching for him together... I hear he likes riding in Fallbrook! :D There have been numerous people who have had a guy pull alongside in Phonak gear... and then they realize WHO it is... one guy I know said Floyd rode with him for a few miles chatting before Floyd said bye and just FLEW off the front... LOL

I've been waiting ALL DAY to read this since I hadn't yet seen the Tour... and right at the end of the day the online news HAD THE OUTCOME! :eek: AAAAAARGH! :mad:

what a GREAT stage this was... man, Floyd didn't even look like he was working that hard... and Levi... hats off to him. What a comeback... I desperately want to see him podium! there was part of me that feels bad for the French Maillot Jaune as it would have been a HUGE deal for him to wear the jersey tomorrow on Bastille Day. Unbelievable that the time bonus was the difference... I guess every second DOES count. I am bummed that George isn't on his game... wonder if he'll even fight now or if he has mentally caved? He's gotta be hugely disappointed too. I hope he fights anyway, and rides his best no matter where he ends up...

I got to meet all three of these guys at the Tour of CA and I have to say, ALL of them were very, very nice, friendly and courteous... I was just one of thousands of fans there so it was pretty cool that they didn't pull any bigshot stuff. Levi even signed my brother's new Gerolsteiner frame! :D And my denim jacket... ;)

Anyway, I love this part of the Tour now... I have to admit, during the sprint stages I sometimes struggle not to doze off... but during the mountains... man, I'm ALL amped up! :D

[tprevost]

BC68,

I'm sure George will need a little TLC after the tour... does he still have your number ;)

btw, WHERE is the picture that someone took of you w/George in the spring... huh huh huh???

Trac' :p


come up any time... I've got some great Fallbrook loops.... wonder how long we should give him to heal up???