TDF Discussion - here be spoilers

[tulip]

What did you want them to do?

They were helping by mixing it up inside the front section of the peloton and trying to break it up. Did you see the words exchanged between some of the riders unhappy with this move?

I did not see any words exchanged. I would have thought they would have gotten into the front and slowed it down a bit--a common strategy. Sounds like that's what they did.

[mudmucker]

I saw those words exchanged too, with some fervent arm gestures as well. Other riders were not happy when they tried to mix it up and managed to shake them off for the most part.

[PscyclePath]

That was a lot of fun to watch... a very classic example of blocking for your teammates up the road!

[MM_QFC!]

I don't know if any of you read the column by "blazzing saddles" but he always has a prediction for the next stage. Here is today's prediction.

PREDICTION: The flight will be slightly delayed after Mark Cavendish complains that he's not allowed into the first-class compartment. Both Tom Boonen and Denis Menchov will fall when boarding. Mark Renshaw will be allowed into the cockpit to help guide the plane to its destination. Oh, and Cadel Evans will be left isolated on his way to the loo.

HA - perfect!

[tulip]

Whoo! Good one! Great teamwork by Columbia!

[Reesha]

Yeah seriously. That Cav is a powerhouse. He's so self-assured though! Maybe we'll get to see Thomas Voeckler win the next one to balance it out

[Running Mommy]

I thought today was a yawner.... The riders have gotten so used to the radios that I think they were a bit flustered. Also noticed that there seemed to be a bit of a protest going on. At points it was like watching paint dry.
I'm also getting bored with the same old lead out by columbia to get cavendish the win. I SOOO want Thor to keep the green.
I read somewhere that cavendish is putting notches on his top tube everytime he wins..

[Eden]

I read somewhere that cavendish is putting notches on his top tube everytime he wins..

not literally.... but yeah, he's putting a sticker on his top tube for each sprint he wins....

The lack of radios didn't seem to make much of a difference. The pack still caught the break just in time.

[tulip]

I just love the countryside and villages that they ride through, and the little history lessons here and there. Since it was the 14 juillet today, there seemed to be more people out in the small villages. That's my favorite part of the Tour, actually. France is such a wonderful place to ride (and eat and drink and garden...).

[Trekhawk]

I don't know if any of you read the column by "blazzing saddles" but he always has a prediction for the next stage. Here is today's prediction.

PREDICTION: The flight will be slightly delayed after Mark Cavendish complains that he's not allowed into the first-class compartment. Both Tom Boonen and Denis Menchov will fall when boarding. Mark Renshaw will be allowed into the cockpit to help guide the plane to its destination. Oh, and Cadel Evans will be left isolated on his way to the loo.

Snort!

[TrekTheKaty]

OK, after the Saxo Bank rider crashed (I'm betting broken collar bone), he was standing over his bike on the road--another bike was IN the ditch! Was there another rider down there?! Maybe they'll mention it tomorrow.........

[PinkBike]

i've got the TdF on DVR, so when i crawl out of bed at the crack of 8:30 or so I watch the day's stage with no commercials and no unwanted interviews or commentary. i get all the commentary from tour de schmalz (www.velocitynation.com). here's a tidbit from saturday:

Dear Schmalz,
I've never written to you before, but I really need your advice. I have suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. I've witnessed the usual signals; the phone rings, but if I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with 'the girls' a lot recently, although when I ask their names she always says, "just some friends from work, you don't know them." I always try and to stay awake to look out for her coming home, but I usually fall asleep. I think deep down I just didn't want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to really check on her. Around midnight, I decided to hide in the garage behind my bikes so I could get a good view of the whole street when she arrived home from a night out with 'the girls'. When she got out of the car she was buttoning up her blouse, which was open. It was at that very moment, crouching behind my bikes, I noticed a slight crack in the frame of my beloved full-carbon Pinarello Prince, two inches behind the headset. Is this something I can fix myself, or should I take it back to the shop?
Concerned Roadie

anyway, i thought today's stage could have been phoned in, even without radios it was predictable: a small break, sprinters teams controlling the "chasing" peloton, break caught in the last k's, then columbia leading out cav for the win. i did think it was funny that cav was showing off his green sunglasses - hey manx, you dont have the jersey yet, thor SMASH still has it by 6 points!!

but I DO LOVE THE TOUR!!!! and you gotta read schmalz!!!! go there. now.

[Eden]

OK, after the Saxo Bank rider crashed (I'm betting broken collar bone), he was standing over his bike on the road--another bike was IN the ditch! Was there another rider down there?! Maybe they'll mention it tomorrow.........

It was Danny Pate, but he was fine and got back in the race. Sometimes the ditch is better than the road.... at least it is soft....

[papaver]

yesterday's race was booooooooooooooooooooooooring... why bother to ride it, they could've stayed at home an give the victory to cavendish.

[tulip]

Team Columbia shows the strongest teamwork for Cavendish. Tyler Ferrar and Thor Hushovd just didn't have the team to support them. It doesn't hurt that Cavendish is an amazing sprinter, too, but his team is superb and they get it right every time.