TDF: a shiny new thread for 2012

[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.

[pll]

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

Farrar was leaning over before the Lampre guy moved left. Below are 3 screenshots - first, Farrar looks like he is leaning. In the second, Argos guy pushes back. In the third, Lampre guy has moved right and touched wheels with Farrar. As a whole, if you compare distances to the sidewalk, the entire group was moving towards the right.

[Norse]

I still think it will be Wiggins for the GC, barring injury or illness and if his team does as good of a job helping/protecting him as BMC is doing for Cadel so far (apparently Wiggins was a little miffed the other day saying he didn't think Sky was working for him like BMC has been for Evans). But I would love to see the dark horse rider from Canada, Ryder Hesjedal, take it.

[ny biker]

Wiggins and Cavendish both seem to be pretty peeved about the support they're not getting from their team.

Meanwhile Garmin seems to be the bad-luck magnet this year. Ryder lost a lot of time today after a crash, Tommy D is out and numerous other riders have hit the pavement several times so far.

Greipel was impressive again today -- coming so close to the win after two crashes in the stage. And Sagan is just awesome -- I truly hope he makes it over the mountains and hangs on the green jersey. It's a big ask for a 22-year-old in his first grand tour, but I think he has a chance.

[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.

[malkin]

Metz massacre.

I hate stages like this.

[Eden]

This year and last year... no patron, no supremely controlling team - lots more risk taking, lots more nervousness, too many crashes...

Peter Sagan really is quite amazing though, isn't he.... only 22 and he might be able to keep that green

[emily_in_nc]

I don't remember a tour with this many crashes. It's really mind-boggling.

[AppleTree]

This year and last year... no patron, no supremely controlling team - lots more risk taking, lots more nervousness, too many crashes...

Peter Sagan really is quite amazing though, isn't he.... only 22 and he might be able to keep that green

So my DH just read a tweet that said Peter Sagan started the race this morning with a BELL on his handlebars. A Cycling News interview shows him explaining it was because the peloton was dangerous, and "also for fun, ringa dinga dinga". I need to find a photo of that one.

He is making this years tour more fun to watch. Love it when they don't take themselves so seriously.