Tour de France 2011 talk

[Aggie_Ama]

Yesterday was one of the most exciting bike races I have seen in a long time. Contador looked weak though, he should have been able to pull away on a Cat 3. Maybe he just didn't have it but I have never seen him look so beatable.

Love George Hincapie and he did what was needed to get Cadel in position. Are we the only ones who think Cav is a bit silly for sitting up? This isn't the first time I have seen him do that in a race, he wants the win or none but that doesn't always translate to green. Exciting tour so far, loving it!

[denda]

Ouch! That was a scary crash that took out the Radio Shack rider

[roadie gal]

Yesterday's finish was great. I was so impressed with George Hincape's long turn at the front, and Thor's keeping up at the end. I love that he's still in yellow. I also loved that Cadel Evans pulled out the win over Contador.

This morning is a crash fest. Wow

[tulip]

France is beautiful. Brittany is even more beautiful. That is all I can say.

[bluebug32]

So much carnage today! But I can't say I minded watching Contador take a little spill. Keeps him humble

[margo49]

Another great finish and good to see Cav getting one finally.
And without upsetting the Classement Generale.
GO GARMIN! GO CLEAN!
Lotta people will be hurting tonight and sticking to their sheets with weeping road-rash.
There was a rumour that motorcycle camera guy was fired on the spot for taking out Sorenson - anyone know anything?

[pll]

Sorensen was clipped by a motorcycle from Getty Images as it was trying to pass him. Knocked him off the bike and dragged the bike for 200 meters. The description and the video clip are in a VeloNews note.

[bmccasland]

The Tour was rough today. Ouch!

Was amused by Contador's temper tamtrum, throwing his bike in the ditch. Can I have it?

[bluebug32]

The Tour was rough today. Ouch!

Was amused by Contador's temper tamtrum, throwing his bike in the ditch. Can I have it?

LOL...He better his game together soon, start paying attention and riding closer to the front.

[azfiddle]

Just got home from the first of 3 open house "Watch The Tour de France" evenings at the Carmichael training center. They showed potions of the first 5 stages of the tour, with commentary and answers to questions as we watched.

I came in a little late and missed the introductions (if there were any), so I did not know the name of the person was doing the commentary (until later), but as he spoke, referring to "when I rode the tour..." and "When I talked to Tyler after the stage today..." as he pointed out moments that demonstrated good strategies, poor timing, etc., I realized what an amazing insider's perspective and insight we were getting.

Our narrator was Gord Fraser, who has some impressive Olympic and pro cycling credentials. I know he and Tyler Farrar were team mates at one time, but I got the impression he may also be coaching Tyler as well. Two of the regular Carmichael coaches were there as well.

And we got some freebies- water bottles & GU products. I'm going back next week. They're raffling off a bike fit!

[Trek420]

Was amused by Contador's temper tamtrum, throwing his bike in the ditch. Can I have it?

What's the saying "the bad carpenter blames his tools"

[ny biker]

Just got home from the first of 3 open house "Watch The Tour de France" evenings at the Carmichael training center. They showed potions of the first 5 stages of the tour, with commentary and answers to questions as we watched.

I came in a little late and missed the introductions (if there were any), so I did not know the name of the person was doing the commentary (until later), but as he spoke, referring to "when I rode the tour..." and "When I talked to Tyler after the stage today..." as he pointed out moments that demonstrated good strategies, poor timing, etc., I realized what an amazing insider's perspective and insight we were getting.

Our narrator was Gord Fraser, who has some impressive Olympic and pro cycling credentials. I know he and Tyler Farrar were team mates at one time, but I got the impression he may also be coaching Tyler as well. Two of the regular Carmichael coaches were there as well.

And we got some freebies- water bottles & GU products. I'm going back next week. They're raffling off a bike fit!

Sounds like fun!!

It's high time we discussed the important issue of podium outfits. I like the black dresses worn by the women who present the stage-winner stuff, though they're almost too much for daytime. The yellow jersey women seem to have a different outfit every day. They're pretty classic styling, okay, nothing exciting. I don't like the dresses worn by the green jersey women -- white with green collar and belt. They're too sporty.

I still haven't seen the polka dot or young rider presentations. I wonder if we can see up the skirts of the polka dot dresses again this year.

[ny biker]

What's the saying "the bad carpenter blames his tools"

I imagine he was just frustrated. One of the guys from Rabobank yelled when he crashed, and I'm pretty sure he said "motherf****r."

I don't think anyone was happy with today's route. The scenary was beautiful, though. I bet they get some cold winds on that coast!!

[blue_angel]

This is completely awesome!

I've never watched the Tour before, and have always wondered what people liked about watching others ride bikes. But after skimming through the enthusiastic comments on this thread yesterday, I decided to watch the 8 pm Stage 5 broadcast. GRIPPING! Seriously, I am now obsessed. I'm preparing to turn the TV on in a few minutes to catch the live morning broadcast. You all have created a monster!

[Mako]

This is completely awesome!

I've never watched the Tour before, and have always wondered what people liked about watching others ride bikes.

I didn't get it either....I used to be like 'how can you watch three hours of this?'

Then I started riding and watching last year, and because of the tour endured one of the most 'unproductive' three weeks of my life!