TDF: a shiny new thread for 2012

[redrhodie]

+1. He showed up to today's stage with his bell, again! See here.

Also, to the theory of same tactics across teams, a quote from Voeckler:

the main thing responsible is this…� Voeckler said, pointing to the radio earpiece dangling out of the collar of his jersey.

“You’ve got the directeurs sportifs from 22 teams saying ‘you have to be up there, you have to be up there,’â€� Voeckler continued. “Well, if you have 198 riders like that on a road that’s only seven metres wide, then there’s not going to be room for anyone else. VoilÃ*.â€� (Cycling News)

Now that's ironic. When they raced a stage (I think last year) with no radios, everyone was freaking out about it being too dangerous without them.

[malkin]

Now that's ironic. When they raced a stage (I think last year) with no radios, everyone was freaking out about it being too dangerous without them.

No kidding.
I think there should be 1 or 2 designated radio wearers for each team. Like the prime domestique with proven bike handling skill.

Did NBC stop showing the early live broadcast?
Was it because of the broadcast of Cavendish saying "Oh please! @#$% off!" live on the air?

[pll]

Did NBC stop showing the early live broadcast?
Was it because of the broadcast of Cavendish saying "Oh please! @#$% off!" live on the air?

The early morning broadcast was on regular NBC, not NBC Sports (the former Versus). Here's the link ny_biker posted a few months ago: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/424535...ports-cycling/

[lovelygamer]

I'm enjoying catching up on the tour through video and pictures. I can't wait to see how it all shakes out in the end.

I'm biding time until the Olympics start. Now, there's my true sports passion and there are SO many years between them. Ugh.

[ny biker]

I set my DVR to record "new episodes on any channel" for the tour and this morning it recorded from the non-HD version of NBC. Fail!! I love the scenic HD camera shots from the helicopter. Fortunately the DVR thinks the prime time coverage is also a "new episode" so I have that to watch.

Something that occurred to me about these crashes -- they really underscore how incredibly lucky Lance and all the 5-time winners were. Regardless of who did or did not take drugs, just managing to stay upright and uninjured for so many tours is pretty amazing. Same for a guy like Hincapie, or any of the sprinters who have won multiple green jerseys.

[lovelygamer]

Just watched the race live. What a GREAT finish!! I won't mention the winner in case you haven't seen it but his country is so proud, as they should be.

Plus, I tried regular NBC and HD NBC. What a crazy difference!!

[Crankin]

What an exciting stage today.
DH and I keep saying we never thought we'd see the day that cycling was on NBC for 2 days in a row.
At least I got to see some of the ads you guys were talking about. I like the Specialized one, but nothing will replace the mojito dance for me. Back the NBC app/Apple TV tomorrow.

[malkin]

Just watched the race live. What a GREAT finish!! I won't mention the winner in case you haven't seen it but his country is so proud, as they should be.

Root, root, root for the home team!
And a kid besides!
I love it!