TDF Discussion - here be spoilers

[7rider]

VS was really bad this year.

At least not every other commercial was some "male enhancement" product like you get on Universal Sports bike coverage.

Like many others, I have mixed feelings about Contodor. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and to be a grand tour winner, you must tread it every day. Lance had/has it. Levi (bless his soul...I love the man) doesn't. That's why he's my source of perpetual frustration and he will always play second fiddle at the grand tours.

[tulip]

The French actually kinda liked Lance this year. Interesting.

Contador's done more than Lance ever has and ever will: he's won the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta.

I'm not anti-Lance--he had an amazing race this year--but I'm absolutely disgusted by the coverage by Versus because it was focused almost exclusively on Lance. There are many great riders (and a few great American riders if that's their argument) who are deserving of coverage.

[ivorygorgon]

So where do the riders get the matching accessories for the different winning jerseys? Do they just carry a stash around in case they win?

[Fredwina]

I think that goes back about 10 yearx to Mario Cipolinni(sp) :drool. He had a yellow bike, Handlebar tape, tires, etc
The used to fine riders for having an 'irregular' uniform
And I think does take some advanced planning on the parts of the manufacters, teams, and rider.
Mark Cavendish had a Green power meter, and did you notice the Color of Lance's bike in the final TT?

[redrhodie]

And how did Liquigas manage to have a polka-dot bike, but not a matching helmet?

[Fredwina]

maybe thier helmet supplier isn't as on the ball as thier bike supplier

[katluvr]

And how did Liquigas manage to have a polka-dot bike, but not a matching helmet?

My exact question/issue.
Loved the bike...but that helmet stood out like a sore thumb!

[SadieKate]

My exact question/issue.
Loved the bike...but that helmet stood out like a sore thumb!

Even if it is garish, I prefer that the riders keep their team colors where they can. This is a team event, his team has to be able to find him, and Liquigas wants him easily identifiable as a Liquigas-sponsored rider.

[SadieKate]

. . . and did you notice the Color of Lance's bike in the final TT?

Lance rode a collection of custom-painted "art bikes" which will be in a traveling exhibit and then auctioned.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/stages

[spazzdog]

At least not every other commercial was some "male enhancement" product like you get on Universal Sports bike coverage.

Like many others, I have mixed feelings about Contodor. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and to be a grand tour winner, you must tread it every day. Lance had/has it. Levi (bless his soul...I love the man) doesn't. That's why he's my source of perpetual frustration and he will always play second fiddle at the grand tours.

Oh yes 7rider - we got those very commercials; every one of 'em
As to the coverage, VS is an American station and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Lance owns a piece of them (speculation). They always pay huge attention to the US riders, wherever they are in the GC. Same with other networks during, say, the Olympics. I'm sure in England or Spain or where ever, their home commentators spoke mostly about their nations riders.

[ms pepperpot]

They always pay huge attention to the US riders, wherever they are in the GC. Same with other networks during, say, the Olympics. I'm sure in England or Spain or where ever, their home commentators spoke mostly about their nations riders.

That's definitely the case here - Wiggins and Cav have got a lot of coverage (relatively speaking seeing as there isn't a huge amount of tour coverage in general)

I haven't been following them on twitter, but Wiggins has done some nice longer pieces in the Observer over the past couple of weeks

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog...tour-de-france
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog...tour-de-france