TDF - Stage 1 Possible Spoilers within

[jobob]

Each year that I watch the Tour, I end up yelling at the spectators through the tv.

Gah, tell me about it ! I always freak when the riders wend their way through the crazed crowds in the mountain finishes, and I'm constantly amazed when they make it through intact.

There's aways a nit or two or twenty who think it's cool to stand right in their paths to snap a photo and jump away at the very last moment. I cannot fathom how the riders can cope with that, they must be in some sort of zen-like state of concentration.

[Quillfred]

It is very sad that spectators can create more danger for the riders.

Thread drift: hey, how did George Bush get in the race?!?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/20...r06/tour061/40

[spazzdog]

Apparently the Tour organizers have banned the big hands for the following stages on the last 100-200? meters because of the smashing of Thor.

spazz

[jeannierides]

I highly doubt Bruyneel will want George in yellow more than a day or two this early in the race. That would put a lot of responsibility on the Disco boys. And George isn't even necessarily the annointed team leader at this point. Rather than wasting effort trying to defend the yellow jersey this early in the race, I think Disco will let go of it tomorrow so they can conserve for the mountains.

Just my 2.5 cents

George is the "unspoken" team leader. Bruyneel is downplaying that in order to keep the pressure down a bit. No one really wants the media attention that Lance carried with him. George is driven & definitely has what it takes. Granted, they may give it up for the bigger goal, but yellow is definitely a goal of George's.

My 2.5 cents

[velogirl]

George is the "unspoken" team leader. Bruyneel is downplaying that in order to keep the pressure down a bit. No one really wants the media attention that Lance carried with him. George is driven & definitely has what it takes. Granted, they may give it up for the bigger goal, but yellow is definitely a goal of George's.

My 2.5 cents

I don't think that's necessarily true. George is the sentimental favorite with American fans. But, Bruyneel is a smart guy. He's got three racers who could win this race and I think he'll play his cards as opportunities unfold. If Disco can win with another racer, he'll do that just as quickly as setting up George for the win.