Tour talk -- Spoiler alert

[redrhodie]

I was so bummed to be watching the news on TV this morning instead of Phil and Paul.

It feels like the day after Christmas, and I didn't get what I wanted.

Next year!

[Crankin]

I am having TdF withdrawal a little worse this year. Not really sure why, but do know that I saw much more of it this year than in the past.
It's also a sign that summer is going by .

[withm]

Honestly, there would be no Team Radio Shack if Lance had not come out of retirement. Just like there would be no Team Astana if Vino hadn't decided to take charge and get his friends to start a team. But now that they exist and are having a good season, I hope they're able to continue for a while. They have some very talented young riders in the pipeline.

I did think TRS should have known enough to get permission to change the jerseys, but I guess since they've done it before (as have others) they figured they would just have to pay a fine and be done with it. And if you can hit another rider with your front wheel and not be DQ'd, then who would expect you'd get kicked out of the race for changing your clothes.

I read that the UCI is donating the amount of the fine to a cancer-related charity.

I was so bummed to be watching the news on TV this morning instead of Phil and Paul.

I guess they went by the "it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission" route.

But I can see the TDF officials seeing the jersey swap as a hijack of the TDF agenda to promote Livestrong and that Lance Armstrong would be pulling something over on them.

But really, what's the difference between promoting Livestrong, Nissan, Radio Shack, or any or the other sponsors listed on the team kits?

Suffering withdrawal but still wanting to watch stage 2. Hmm I wonder how long us Tour Tracker viewers get access to watch the stages?

[ny biker]

Jens arriving in Paris: "It's a goose bump situation."

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/reac...urs-20th-stage

Good for Chavenal for being named most combative. I enjoyed seeing him win. I also saw a great picture of him and Pineau jumping on their hotel beds after finished in yellow and polka dots for the first time.

[ny biker]

I guess they went by the "it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission" route.

But I can see the TDF officials seeing the jersey swap as a hijack of the TDF agenda to promote Livestrong and that Lance Armstrong would be pulling something over on them.

But really, what's the difference between promoting Livestrong, Nissan, Radio Shack, or any or the other sponsors listed on the team kits?

Suffering withdrawal but still wanting to watch stage 2. Hmm I wonder how long us Tour Tracker viewers get access to watch the stages?

There was already huge Livestrong promotion throughout the tour. Look at the Nike chalkbot messages every day. And it goes back years, to the first yellow wristbands when pretty much every guy in the peloton wore them.

I'm wondering if the issue was more to do with the fact that it was a major design change. Previously I think their changes were minor and the overall kit was still recognizable. But this year it was totally different.

Speaking of designs, I vote for the yellow jersey podium girls as having the best dresses. They actually had 2 different styles and I liked them both. Green was okay but the shape was too a-line for me. Young rider dresses were too plain and ordinary (little black dresses). Stage winner outfits were designed by someone who does not know how to make a woman's hips look attractive, and the polka dot dresses were fun but whack.

Also, not sure if anyone noticed but the American podium girl from last year was back again this year, doing the young rider thing.

Also also, it was good to see that the person with the chalk board on the motorbike was a woman this year, for the first time. I wonder what that job is like.

[Cait]

Good for Chavenal for being named most combative. I enjoyed seeing him win. I also saw a great picture of him and Pineau jumping on their hotel beds after finished in yellow and polka dots for the first time.

I was so happy to hear this. I became a big fan of Chavanel and Quick Step this tour. I was hoping for a higher team classification though.

[katluvr]

Yes, very sad...no TDF to go home and anxious grab remote to DVR!!
I admit I watch very little of last stage except the end.
I think I knew Contador would win...I just didn't want to admit it. He is good. He seem to have tried harder near the end to present more of an image of a generous winner. Andy just needs to learn to time trail better or find a way to really get ride of Alberto on those mountains. Wonder what it would of been like if Frank could of been there with him.
I was very happy that Chris Horner had a good tour...10th...I bet he was happy with that.
I will miss Jens and Fabian!
I will miss it all! Guess I just have to get out there and ride myself!

[arielmoon]

Yes, tour withdrawal is setting in for me.... waaaaaaaah

[ny biker]

Looks like Fabian and the Schlecks are planning to ride the Vuelta this year. No Contador, though.

[Blue_Fedora]

Glad to hear Frank will be riding the Vuelta. Something to keep me going for a little while

[Bliss]

Wow, things just keep getting worse for Lance.

I wonder if Bruyneel and all of the Radio Shack team has to show up for this hearing...


UCI Opens Proceedings Against RadioShack Over Kit

http://www.bikeworldnews.com/2010/07...adioshack-kit/

[withm]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/201...stPop_Emailed5

This link takes you to the photos of the last 10 stages. There is also a link to the 1st 10 stages. Incredible photography!

[arielmoon]

I just love Andy. I will be rooting for him and Frank in the Vuelta!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/and...e-to-tour-star

[Possegal]

How can you not love Andy. This pic he posted on his Twitter feed cracks me up!

http://tweetphoto.com/35393709

[ny biker]

How can you not love Andy. This pic he posted on his Twitter feed cracks me up!

http://tweetphoto.com/35393709

I saw that -- loved it.

BTW, f_cancellara is now on twitter. He's done two criteriums this week.