TDF: a shiny new thread for 2012

[ny biker]

Well, whiffs of something questionable have been floating around Frank since 2008, when he paid 7000 euros to Eufemiano Fuentes, a doctor involved in the Operación Puerto scandal. More in an old BikeRadar article.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure Frank doesn't actually like Bruyneel. And he has spent more time with Riis.

Some drug tests are random and some are not (stage winner, race leader, etc.).

[ny biker]

Okay I must get this off my chest!!

Every year there is a commercial that runs throughout the tour that drives me up a wall. This year, it's that Micholob Ultra commercial. Good lord, does anyone hear "you're debonair" and think, yup, that's me!!!

I think this ad would be an excellent screener for potential mates. Show it on the first date and ask, "Do you see yourself in this commercial?" If the answer is yes, run-don't-walk to the nearest exit.

</rant>

Meanwhile, France remains a beautiful country. Loved the helicopter camera shots of the vultures today. Also love that Phil and Paul are birdwatchers, so we could appreciate what we were seeing.

[jobob]

Meanwhile, France remains a beautiful country. Loved the helicopter camera shots of the vultures today.

Yes!

[e3rdpower]

I agree 100%. I think whatever ad agency thought it would be a good idea should be forced to watch it over and over ad nauseum. And I completely agree that it would be an excellent screening tool.

On the other hand, the Road ID commercials make me giggle.

Okay I must get this off my chest!!

Every year there is a commercial that runs throughout the tour that drives me up a wall. This year, it's that Micholob Ultra commercial. Good lord, does anyone hear "you're debonair" and think, yup, that's me!!!

I think this ad would be an excellent screener for potential mates. Show it on the first date and ask, "Do you see yourself in this commercial?" If the answer is yes, run-don't-walk to the nearest exit.

</rant>

Meanwhile, France remains a beautiful country. Loved the helicopter camera shots of the vultures today. Also love that Phil and Paul are birdwatchers, so we could appreciate what we were seeing.

[malkin]

I'm glad that the ad with the freeze frame of the guy with the exploded tire is finally not running anymore.

[redrhodie]

Since we're on the subject of commercials, has anyone noticed the one with the bike rider, out on a long training ride, he eats a pink snowball (I think that's what it's called), he rides through the rain, he flats? Did you notice when he's changing his flat, in the middle of nowhere, alone, he's using a floor pump? Cracks me up every time. That's my favorite.

[ny biker]

Since we're on the subject of commercials, has anyone noticed the one with the bike rider, out on a long training ride, he eats a pink snowball (I think that's what it's called), he rides through the rain, he flats? Did you notice when he's changing his flat, in the middle of nowhere, alone, he's using a floor pump? Cracks me up every time. That's my favorite.

That's one of the Strava commercials. I'll have to look for that...

[bmccasland]

Watching some of the TdF stages, in France was interesting. Not that I could always keep up, I think my French has gotten worse from the lack of practice.
Home now, so will watch the rest here.

[malkin]

Looking for the floor pump will give me a reason to watch, beyond just watching the scenery now and listening to the delightful patter of Phil & Paul.

I like what Jens wrote in his Bicycling.com blog:

Since Franky is my friend and as I have said this many times over the years, I will stay on his side and be there for him as a friend should do. Friendship is not only for the sunny days in life but even more important when its pouring rain out there. Maybe I am not as objective and neutral here as I should be, but I can’t help it, I have spent eight years with Franky as a teammate and I can’t see him doing something stupid like that. I am well aware that probably not everybody will agree with my thoughts, but that’s what I wanted to say.

[jobob]

"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille"