Tour talk -- Spoiler alert

[arielmoon]

Armstrong fan here too and I was super bummed with his bad luck. So it was painful to watch all the while I was excitedly watching Andy as he stalked Contador and the others in front. What a race for him!

I'll be rooting for Levi, Cadel, and Andy now.

[PscyclePath]

Lance has come back from worse (time-wise) and managed to pull out a win, but he was a lot younger, and the vast majority of his rival were in about the same shape he was. It will be a lot tougher and some superbadd juju has to happen to Messers Schleck, Evans, and Contador over the next two weeks.

Still, it's two weeks and a long, long way to Paris from here. Lots of things -- good and bad -- can still happen. After all, it's THE TOUR!

[tulip]

I read an article that said Lance will ride for Levi and enjoy the rest of the race. Now that the pressure is off, he'll probably have alot more fun.

I remember being in Paris the first time Indurain won. As I recall (it was very hard to see because of the crowds), Greg Lemond finished the stage first, or at least entered the Champs-Elysees first. It was a sort of courtesy to him as a great rider and his last Tour. Maybe Lance will be honored as the Gentleman of the Tour this year, as a going-out gesture. Lance might not like that, come to think of it.

I really enjoy watching no matter who is ahead.

[redrhodie]

I really enjoy watching no matter who is ahead.

Me too! I almost don't care who wins, but Andy Schleck is just so lovable. I guess he's my first choice.

[Norse]

Lance fan here too. He always said you also have luck in order to win the TDF. Lady Luck certainly was not on his side this year. At least the pressure is off now. He can relax and help Levi and perhaps try for a stage win or two. Now I am rooting for anyone but Contador. Well, I would not be thrilled to see Vino or Basso on the podium. Also rooting for Thor in the green jersey competition, although if Robbie could give it a run, that would be great to see.

[Blue_Fedora]

{snip} Now I am rooting for anyone but Contador. {snip}

Yup... ABC... Anyone But Contador

[tulip]

Um, why ABC?

Is it a Lance-worship thing, having to do with Contador winning last year (he was the stronger rider, as I recall)?

Is it a Spain-Already-Won-Enough-World-Sporting-Events thing, what with Nadal, Las Rojas, and Contador last year?

Is it an anti-Spain thing having to do with bullfighting, the Inquisition, or the colonization of the Americas?

He's an amazing bike racer. That's really all that counts.

[ny biker]

I'll be rooting for Levi, Cadel, and Andy now.

Me too.

I generally watch the live Phil and Paul coverage from the morning, but I also tend to catch a little of the end of the prime time coverage before I go to bed. Last night it was downright embarrassing watching Bob Roll in denial over Lance's situation. He needs to get a grip.

[sundial]

Since Van de Velde is out, I'm pulling for Andy (especially since his *twin* brother is out). Also hoping that Tyler Farrar wins a sprint against Cavendish.