Hellooooo? Anyone watching the Tour?

[Zen]

W T H?

[7rider]

Witch hunt.

[Kalidurga]

More from VeloNews (potential spoiler link, don't click on anything else while you're there):

Nothing found in search of Schlecks' father's car

By Agence France Presse
Posted Jul. 24, 2008
A car driven by the father of Tour de France stars Andy and Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) was searched by French customs during the 18th stage, which began in Bourg d'Oisans on Thursday.

An official source in Grenoble later said that "no doping products or banned substances" were found during the long search, which took place at Vizille in the Isere region of the Alps.

Johnny Schleck, a former professional cyclist who raced with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx, was stopped along with another vehicle from the advertising procession that precedes the stage.

Several journalists and photographers witnessed the stop, at the 30km mark of the 194.5km stage. Customs chiefs for the region of Isere confirmed two Luxembourg-registered cars were stopped and searched.

"One of the vehicles was taken out of the public's view for a more thorough search," said a customs official. The other, being driven by a journalist, was allowed to carry on.

Johnny Schleck was driving a Luxembourg-registered vehicle for one of the advertisers linked to the race.

It would seem that performing exceptionally automatically makes one an object of suspicion now.

[Triskeliongirl]

Hmmm, is this even legal? Don't they have to have probable cause and permissions to search a vehicle, or can customs do whatever they want to a foreign vehicle???

There are official doping controls that are part of the race guys.

[arielmoon]

FRAK!!

I clicked to read that article and clicked again and saw who won today's stage!

*head desk*

why did I do that???

oh well

[7rider]

It would seem that performing exceptionally automatically makes one an object of suspicion now.

Or maybe one is just a spry 23 year old. Geez...did young Andy look impatient at the top yesterday??? Like he was bouncing out of his saddle....looking back at his brother in the yellow..."C'mon, bro'....let's go! C'mon, c'mon. COME...ON!!! Will you hurry up, already!!!!! Geez...waddaya, worn out or sumptin'?"

[Kalidurga]

I clicked to read that article and clicked again and saw who won today's stage!

Oops! I went back and edited the post to specify that the link could lead to a spoiler. Sorry I forgot to do that originally, I do try to be considerate of folks who watch the coverage later in the day

[tulip]

Hmmm, is this even legal? Don't they have to have probable cause and permissions to search a vehicle, or can customs do whatever they want to a foreign vehicle???

There are official doping controls that are part of the race guys.

The laws are different than they are in the US. I don't know about searching cars, but any police officer can ask anyone for ID for any reason in France. It's never happened to me, but I always carry my national ID card with me, as does practically everyone. Which reminds me, I gotta get that thing renewed before I go back there.

[katluvr]

I agree, CSC is THE TEAM. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that now Carlos Sastre (sp?) is the leader and will probably win. He has not really done anythign special (until yesterday) and it was just d/t the fact he had THAT team! I would of much perferred either of the Slchleck brothers or how about Fabian! He has looked SOOOOOOOOOOO awesome. Oh well...unless something really drastic happens I think we know how has won the tour.

[rij73]

It's not at all over... Cadel Evans is completely capable on a good day of taking over a minute-and-a-half out of Carlos Sastre over a 55km time trial. I think it is between those two.

[Norse]

Unless Sastre has "the TT of his life" or does something really "special" Saturday, Evans is my pick to win it all.

[katluvr]

Sure hope sooooo! I don't wnat it to be over, I hope it is close.
Poor Cadel....he hasn't had much team support, nor has Christain.
Just goes to show how much of a "team" sport cycling is in these grand tours!
Can't wait to get home, rewind, and see today's stage. (And listen to Paul and Phil!)

[arielmoon]

Oops! I went back and edited the post to specify that the link could lead to a spoiler. Sorry I forgot to do that originally, I do try to be considerate of folks who watch the coverage later in the day

Totally not your fault! I should have realized it could happen if I clicked around on the site! Your link was fine! I am a spaz!

[batsheva]

pretty cool of the Lampre boys to ride all together to the finished line with their injured team-member...

now THAT'S 'team cycling'!!

[Aggie_Ama]

I kind of like Sastre. He has a custom saddle that says "Papa Mejor". I just think that is so sweet, lots of men have kiddos but he is REALLY proud to be a daddy. The Schleck boys will probably both win the tour at some point, they are so young and so good. I believe Sastre hasn't done anything the whole tour because that was CSC's plan, he trained all year for the tour and then reserved every ounce of energy for Alpe D'Huez. Not as fun as fireworks but smart. Poor Cadel and VandeVelde didn't have anyone in the mountains. I think Christian could be in yellow is Garmin was just stronger, I still hope he could pull off a miracle and knock Kohl off the podium.

Another thing- could Kohl look anymore ridiculous climbing? The alien glasses and bobble head swinging freak me out. Even Paul commented on his riding style. Not nearly as funny as last year with Soler "That man cannot make riding a bike look good." or something like that.