TDF: a shiny new thread for 2012

[malkin]

I'm not sure I understand why Team Sky is not supporting Cavendish this year.

Because Wiggins is a serious contender for the overall GC the team needs to spend their energy to look after him. Cav probably knew this was a possibility when he joined the team and it doesn't seem to be causing him much difficulty so far.

I'm bummed about Andy too, but with all the TTs in this course...well, you know. Anyway, there are only a few riders that I dislike anyway.

[Eden]

Because Wiggins is a serious contender for the overall GC the team needs to spend their energy to look after him. Cav probably knew this was a possibility when he joined the team and it doesn't seem to be causing him much difficulty so far.

I'd say being caught up in the pile up was a difficulty..... and one that he probably would never have suffered had he been in possession of his lead out train.... to his credit I haven't seen any complaining about it though, at least not yet. It's a risk you take when you are a "free agent" sprinter.

It will be interesting to see how he does this year. It not only takes strength, but wiles too when you don't have the team all around you. Robbie McEwan was a master at it when he was at the top of his game.

[malkin]

I wrote that before watching today's stage.

Although they can still crash with their lead out train.

[malkin]

Wow!

Another day, another sprint crash.

Amazing bike handling skills by Greipel! Tejay shows what a good boy he is by saying 'Hi Mom' on TV, Sagan still doesn't smile on on the podium and Fabu sets a record.

I want to play "In the Hall of the Mountain King" for Morkov!

[ny biker]

Greipel really was great today. Somehow managed to avoid the crash, clipped out in the process, and still managed to motor to the line and win the stage.

[pll]

And Tyler Farrar had a complete meltdown, even though it appears he only had himself to blame for leaning over the Argos guy. Greipel, however, kicked Farrar and in the process of not falling himself, took Sagan down. What a nasty crash.

[ny biker]

And Tyler Farrar had a complete meltdown, even though it appears he only had himself to blame for leaning over the Argos guy. Greipel, however, kicked Farrar and in the process of not falling himself, took Sagan down. What a nasty crash.

It kinda looked like a Lampre rider moved right and squeezed Tyler over into the Argos guy. But it was hard to tell.

[AppleTree]

And Tyler Farrar had a complete meltdown, even though it appears he only had himself to blame for leaning over the Argos guy. Greipel, however, kicked Farrar and in the process of not falling himself, took Sagan down. What a nasty crash.

He is not having a good year at all... my heart just went out to him though, watching him cross the finish line yesterday. I have a feeling he won't be finishing the tour, especially if he wants to participate in the Olympics later in the month.