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!
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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!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bike Chick
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.
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.
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!
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.
Me too! I almost don't care who wins, but Andy Schleck is just so lovable. I guess he's my first choice.Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
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.
Me too.Quote:
Originally Posted by arielmoon
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.
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.
Some spectators caught Lance's slide. Wow. Ouch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBft...layer_embedded
Yup... ABC... Anyone But Contador :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Norsegoddess
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.
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.
Lance is gonna attack on Tuesday. What the hay, right? ;)
That, and a dollar, will still get you kicked out of most reputable establishments! :D
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7rider
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
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..."Quote:
Originally Posted by ny biker
Veronica
Have a wonderful trip! I love Paris!Quote:
Originally Posted by ACG
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by ny biker
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
I think Levi burned his matches in California. He didn't train to be at peak for the TdF.Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
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.
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???Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
Quote:
Originally Posted by jobob
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/...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.
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by tulip
still can't tell what happened, but he did quite a slide...no wonder his jersey was all torn up.Quote:
Originally Posted by arielmoon
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
Thanks V!Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
Fair enough.Quote:
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:
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.Quote:
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.
Contador's legs couldn't talk back to Schleck's yesterday. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jobob
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.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Norsegoddess
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
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!Quote:
Originally Posted by Veronica
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama
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.)
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!
My favorite part is Phil and Paul. As Fat Cyclist Elden Nelson said, hearing their voices is like Christmas in July.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crankin
Absolutely! +1 each for Phil & Paul!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Norsegoddess
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 :)
Aggie, the image of this made my day! Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama
I love how he talks with his hands. The Road ID commercial is good too, "Shoes, helmet, bazooka, Road ID."Quote:
Originally Posted by Crankin
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogmama
I haven't seen that particular commercial, will see if I can find it. I miss being able to watch Versa!
I had to watch that twice. OUCH!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by arielmoon
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!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama
I can't stand that stupid gun thing he does. That is what annoys me!