Tour de France 2005

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jobob

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

- Jo.

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the UCI rulebook:

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

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

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

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

spazzdog

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

Ouch.

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

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

Today proved that CSC absolutely rocks.

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

jobob's Gag Me rating: 5 spoons.

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

Give me a break already.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MightyMitre

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

---

Oh my gosh, get out! :eek:

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

Quote:

---

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

---

I'm still verklempt. I hope this doesn't turn Z. into a head case (somehow, I suspect it won't, but you never know ).

Quote:

---

Personally, I love seeing the riders toddlers and kiddies on the podium looking a bit bewildered as to why daddy they're standing on a step in front of lots of people. :) :p

---

Tee hee, good one back at you, MM !

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

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

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


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

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snapdragen

Sorry, overdid the pain meds again.....

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jobob

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

---

to which Adventure "wizeguy" Girl blithely responded

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Adventure Girl

I thought that when jobob roots for a rider, it's like the kiss of death! Good luck to anybody on her list!

---

Well, that's my segway for the first installment of the jobob Kiss of Death Report.

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

current Kiss of Death score: 1 for 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jobob

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

current Kiss of Death score: 1 for 1

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

---

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Geonz

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

---

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KkAllez

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

---

:confused: I thought Bobby was from Nevada??

Nope! Bobby J was born in Corpus Christi TX.

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

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

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

spazz

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spazzdog

Nope! Bobby J was born in Corpus Christi TX.

---

and he grew up in Colorado. Lots of states can lay claim to him :D

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spazzdog

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

---

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

Emily

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CorsairMac

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

---

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

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

Emily

News Flash: OLN Fires Phil Liggett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


:D http://spaces.msn.com/members/fatcyc...UOQA!288.entry

jobob! you is a baaaaaad bunny wabbit!

spazz :eek:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jobob

News Flash: OLN Fires Phil Liggett

---

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

nyuk nyuk nyuk

*giggle :D

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jobob

News Flash: OLN Fires Phil Liggett

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

[/URL]

---

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


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