TDF: a shiny new thread for 2012

[ny biker]

So Fabian has left the Tour. New baby is imminent.

[jobob]

I was rooting for Jens too - who doesn't? - but loved the expression on Voeckler's face when he crossed the line.

An article was posted on Velonews today which I think does a good job of explaining the broad-based appeal of "Little Tommy" and, of course, Jens.

Analysis: Voigt and Voeckler lead the populist puncheurs

Sharks watch Jens Voigt Week.

LOL, good one!

[jobob]

So Fabian has left the Tour. New baby is imminent.

"I am not only a bike rider, I am also a husband and father with another baby on the way. It is my personal wish to be present when my wife Stefanie gives birth to our second child. That 'trophy' is more important than another Tour stage win or an Olympic medal. I already need to thank my wife for her patience with me during the last month in her pregnancy that has been difficult at times. The least I can do is to assist her in these difficult days," he said.

Awwww.

[jobob]

Very pleased with today's finish. The winner's twitter feed should be fun to watch.

[pll]

Here's a picture from stage 7 -- Sagan, the showman (he supposedly earned his "Terminator" nickname by destroying wheels and bikes...):

Source: Bike Radar [photo by Roberto Bettini]

[malkin]

Stage 14

WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?!!?!

[BikeDutchess]

That was just unbelievable. Cadel is reported to have said that's why he avoids riding in Spain. Nuts!

[ny biker]

Hopefully you can see this, posted by Cadel, even if you're not logged into twitter:

http://lockerz.com/s/225299751

Rolland made no friends today by attacking.



Totally unrelated: Fabian's wife gave birth to daughter #2 on Friday.

[redrhodie]

Kudos to Wiggo for keeping it sane. He's a class act.

[ny biker]

Here's a picture everyone definitely can see, along with more info.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/...f-flats_229833

There was obviously a TV camera at the summit, so hopefully that will help identify the culprit(s).

And by the way, Sagan is amazing. I hope this is the start of a hugely successful career. He's fun to watch. I think he might be someone who can win the big Spring Classics.

[BikeDutchess]

The commentary to that Velonews article is a hoot:

[jobob]

Rolland made no friends today by attacking.

True. But Inner Ring pointed this out today, which makes sense to me. Though I can be gullible.

Rolland took off on the descent and seemed to want to profit from this moment but he was not aware Evans being in trouble. He told French TV he had not heard about the problems behind and was annoyed to find journalists grilling him at the finish. We should give him the benefit of the doubt for now because remember the team cars were a long way back. The climb was so narrow that the cars were stuck behind the dropped riders – the same reason it took so long to get help to Evans – and so team managers did not know what was happening for some time, yet alone broadcast it over the race radio.

Ed.: Ooops, I was just reading Jens' excellent blog post On Tacks and Tacky Attacks he posted today (how does he manage that??) and this was his take:

And then there was Pierre Rolland, who attacked while the peloton waited for Cadel Evans and the others who flatted. What can you say? Perhaps he didn’t know what was happening the first time he attacked. But he was caught and riders must have told him what was going on. But what did he do? He attacked again! If you know that guys are crashing and puncturing and you take advantage of it—well, that’s just a lack of class!

Errr, nevermind.

[jobob]

Good catch Bikedutchess!

[ShutUpLegs]

Aww, say it aint so!

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/...hleck-2_230302

[malkin]

Well, he has been training under Bruyneel...