TDF: a shiny new thread for 2012

[ny biker]

First remember that the tour is a mass event with different competitions of different durations, some with a more individual focus and some completely team focussed. This means that not every rider is trying to accomplish the same thing.

Check out the rules:
http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2012/us...kes-rules.html

And the Prizes:
http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2012/docs/reglement.pdf
The prize section starts about page 19 of that big pdf.

There used to be articles in Bicycling magazine that explained it all to new fans, but I couldn't find anything on their website this year.

Feel free to ask us questions about anything that doesn't make sense!!

[ny biker]

I'd just like to say chapeau to Markov -- three consecutive days in the break to keep his polka dot jersey. Impressive.

And Fabian is working to keep yellow, like the champion he is.

I think I like Scott Moninger. He does have a low-key style, which is more noticeable next to Bob Roll and all his gestures. But he seems to know his stuff, which I appreciate.

[pll]

Here is a tour primer:

http://velovoices.com/peloton-primer...our-de-france/

Look at the menu on the top left (screenshot attached) for more sections.

Good videos to watch are the Le Tour Official History 1903-2003 (nearly 2 hours) and an 18 min documentary with 1962 footage, Vive Le Tour (part 2 here) -- I think the latter is neat because it captures different facets of the race.