Tour 2007

[Couch_Surfer]

No running commentary thread up yet? What's that all about?

What a dogpile at the end of Stage 2.

[sprinter]

That had to hurt.

[wallyjames]

I was Tour tragic for years, but I'm sure not as revved up about it this year. Perhaps because it's very unlikely we'll see Elisa Basso at the races this year.

http://freespace.3x2.com/cgi/img?http://212.239.39.154/foto/basso2.jpg

I have been watching though. Robbie McEwen's win in Stage 1 wasa one of the most savage sprints I've ever seen. He got back on after a crash less than 25 km to go, worked through to the front and then unleashed some fury.

Today was different with Boonen's leadout man scooping the win on him. Said he saw a wheel coming up on him and just gassed it, didn't occur to him that might have been the boss?

[sAFETY]

Today was different with Boonen's leadout man scooping the win on him. Said he saw a wheel coming up on him and just gassed it, didn't occur to him that might have been the boss?

I wonder what it was like on the bus tonight, scooping the win from the boss in his home country.

Awkward.....

[pete@nsmb.com]

No, I'm sure Boonen was happy for good ol' Gert. He's a tireless lieutenant who I've heard referred to as a 'freight train' and Boonen has been classy in the past when a teammate beat him (Pozzato at Milano-San Remo in 06). Remember, the most important thing was that as a Belgian team, they won a stage on home turf. Anyway, Boonen's in green, and that's his ultimate goal.

I sure hope McEwen's knee isn't a big problem - I'd be really sad to see him drop out or lose form. Petacchi isn't in, Zabel seems slow, Freire is a maybe at best, Hushovd is having bad luck...it's a good chance for a new young star to be born but we're due a good sprint duel if the faves hold it together.

I'm also happy to see Cancellara is ok - what a horse that guy is. If Hincapie is badly hurt, well you have to say that guy is hexed.

[thewalrus]

I know it's a tabloid, but...

This is just too strange to even attempt describing:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=466755&in_page_id=1770&ct=5

[brian]

wow. nice win today.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Who wasn't cheering on Cancellera when he took off out of the bunch? What a stellar Tour moment.

[sanrensho]

I know it's a tabloid, but...

This is just too strange to even attempt describing:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=466755&in_page_id=1770&ct=5

Good climber, I remember that guy. As long as he's happy...

Millar once said in a terse interview: "The mountains are the only chance I get of making the other guys suffer. But I have to suffer that much to make them suffer that I don't enjoy it."

He says "suffer" three times in two sentences. The sure mark of a pro cyclist.

[nouseforaname]

I was watching at work, with two other tour obsessives, boy we were yelling him on.
Watching the replay was even better - if it was all like that i could care less that he'll be on the patch tomorrow..

[Six]

I'm happy for Cancellara - great move - but sad for Zabel...the old Kraut is my second favorite sprinter of all time next to Cipo.

[nouseforaname]

I'm getting hacked right now at trautwig and Roll, who are giving pisspoor commentary compared with the Liggett/Sherwin voice over that i was listening to this AM.

I'm trying to introduce the better half to the wonder of Le Tour (and todays stage has it all), but the commentary is dreadful. Perhaps its the knowledge that THEY know the result and i know it. Yet they are still commentating as if it is live. Just badly.

[wallyjames]

I was yelling for Cancellara. The guy is a beast. He rode it like a classic - saw the exact moment to go, knew "it in his stomach" as he said after the race. Outkicked all the best sprinters in the race and never even stood up! Stage 1 and now Stage 3 - if nothing else this Tour should be remembered for producing two of the most thrilling flat stage finishes ever. Nothing like seeing the yellow jersey ride away from the field. I bet Eddy Merckx buys Fabian a beer.

[baloom]

When Millar did not command a chase-down of Auge to retain his KOM jersey I thought, "dumb ass" (re: Millar) and "good for him" (re: Auge). When Auge went for the stage it seemed pretty unlikely and perhaps a bit cocky but as he pressed on you really had to feel for the guy. Another 500m and he would have had the crowning acheivement of a career. To win any jersey in TdF is a real accomplishment.

Regarding sprinters, the only one of the old guard that really impresses is McEwen. Stage 1 sprint was simply remarkable. Perhaps the young track star Cavendish could show us what he is made of if he were to get one iota of support from his lame-o T-Mobile team mates.

[wallyjames]

Auge and his breakaway cohorts blew it, methinks. As they rounded the last corner at 400 m to go they slowed down and played cat and mouse, not wanting to tow someone else to the win. The peloton comes roaring around behind them and Cancellara sees his moment. Everyone else is positioning for the sprint, Cancellara started his at 350-400 m out from the line. If Auge had just kept hammering he could have won.

[Six]

I'm getting hacked right now at trautwig and Roll, who are giving pisspoor commentary compared with the Liggett/Sherwin voice over that i was listening to this AM.

I'm trying to introduce the better half to the wonder of Le Tour (and todays stage has it all), but the commentary is dreadful. Perhaps its the knowledge that THEY know the result and i know it. Yet they are still commentating as if it is live. Just badly.

Dude..I know what you mean.Those guys are horrible! I watched one stage re-broadcast last year with those guys commentating and almost killed myself to make it stop. Trautpig has to be the most annoying sports commentator alive..he should go back to football....and Bobke? LOL! Phil and Paul all the way! I'd suggest you tape the live broadcast with Phil and Paul and watch that with your better half.

[Six]

http://http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/embedvideo.html?p=index# (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/embedvideo.html?p=index#)

This is a link to a daily live audio feed. Click link - click "live audio" and new window opens - then expand the new live audio window by clicking the "expand" arrow in the bottom right corner - wait for brief commercial and enjoy! I believe it's Sean Kelly commentating.

[thewalrus]

WHAT is the English-speaking world going to do when Liggett and Sherwin retire?

Do we get stuck with Bob Roll? :crybaby: :crybaby: :crybaby:

[thewalrus]

Stage 3 and 4 highlights from ITV (45 minutes each):

http://www.mininova.org/tor/787135

http://www.mininova.org/tor/788484

[Couch_Surfer]

I followed some advice here and have been PVR'ing the morning shows - definately a better commentary then the dumbed down afternoon crap. My biggest complaint is that they underestimate by at least 20 minutes how long that show will run each morning - missed the Stage 2 win because of that.

[wallyjames]

Actually I don't mind the prime time coverage. I listen to Phil and Paul for years and to be honest they aren't that good. Very repetitive and they haveb all these no go topics they won't comment on. Best part of the Roll/Trautwig segment is when Frankie Andreu jumps in there, his commnets on bike technology and general team personalities are excellent. Maybe I just go against the flow when it comes to sport commentary, because I don't like Don Cherry and I do like Kelly Hrudey...

Lost respect for Phil and Paul when they got suckered by Armstrong in 2001 on the lead-in to Alpe d'Heuz. Lance was dogging it at the back of the field and pretending that the fast T Mobile pace was hurting him. I smelt a rat and sure enough at the base of the Alpe itself, he jumped to the front, gave Ullrich the famous 'look' and took off into the distance.

[Six]

Best part of the Roll/Trautwig segment is when Frankie Andreu jumps in there, his commnets on bike technology and general team personalities are excellent.

Well at least you qualified the "best" part of their broadcast isn't them but Frankie Andreu...honestly dude...Phil and Paul might have some standard lines and try to stay away from the political BS during the race commentary - which is right in my opinion...the commentary is about the race...the political/doping discussion can happen after during the recap or before in the pre-race. I don't want to be bothered with that while I'm trying enjoy the racing.

[Wayne P]

Oh com'on Wally! Lance duped everyone on that climb. Phil and Paul are excellent commentators because they know the tactics. I like Bob Roll too, he's just so American. "Tour day France". :lol:

[pete@nsmb.com]

I think Roll is disgraceful - he tries to sound ignorant on purpose. Trautwig is a tool. I listen to the Eurosport feed in English over here and believe me - Phil and Paul is where it is at.

I cheered out loud when Cance took that stage - what a stud! I hope McEwen heals up and gets back on form - the green jersey really seems to be there for the taking this year. Zabel seems to have lost a step, Bonnen/Quickstep aren't quite coordinated (although that's nothing new) but Hushovd is coming on. Cavendish is wearing 13. Watch out for Hunter and Napolitano, both going well.

Astana doesn't seem to be able to stay upright and Caisse d'Epargne revealed today that indeed Valverde is the captain when it comes down to it - evidenced by Pereiro dropping back to help him after he flatted. I think Evans and Leipheimer will choke, and Kloden will fade in the mountains. I'm calling a surprise winner but I don't have a name yet. I'll try to spit one out before the first true mountain stage - all of you should, and let's see who takes it.

[old_school_n00b]

Astana doesn't seem to be able to stay upright

Strategically, they're in an unenviable position now that the rest of the peloton knows an attack has to come sooner or later, but they have more than enough depth to make up for what wasn't really that disastrous of a day.

This race just got a whole lot more interesting. Does Astana fall back and bide their time, or are those pretty blue BMC's about to get the Lightweights ridden off of them?

[TylerDurden]

I followed some advice here and have been PVR'ing the morning shows - definately a better commentary then the dumbed down afternoon crap. My biggest complaint is that they underestimate by at least 20 minutes how long that show will run each morning - missed the Stage 2 win because of that.

My PVR got caught on those overruns too. I found there's a setting to tell the PVR to record for additional time so as not to miss the finish. Should do the trick. Gotta luv FFWx5 past the bowflex rockstar eh?!

[sanrensho]

I think Evans and Leipheimer will choke

I don't think it's a matter of choking as much as simply falling off the climbing pace. At least Leipheimer has given himself a chance this year but taking it easy and not peaking at the Dauphine Libere.

With the race so wide open, it might actually be harder for steady climbers like Evans, Kloden and Leipheimer to stay with all the attacks, compared to the patron years with Lance.

[Wayne P]

I'd love to see Vino walk away with it. That guy showed so much heart a couple of years ago when he attacked Lance over and over, but when it came down to it, his team mates attacked him! Such a strong rider.

Cadel has had a taste of what its like to be near the top of the pack, I would'nt discount his preparation for this tour. Levi can "easily" be on the podium in Paris in this year's tour, and he could win it all.

Sarensho is right, its going to be difficult for so-called favourites in this tour to mark each other for attacks. Who do you let get away? Who do you chase? Should be interesting.

[wallyjames]

Going in I had Vino by a short half head over Valverde. Maybe Valverde gets the nod now that Vino has lost a minute. I'm away at Psychosis from now for the weekend so there's my 2 cents worth. (And worth no more than 2 cents either).

I'm still happy to listen to Bobke. He's walked the walk and been to the races. If you can get around the put on American mispronunciations of Euro names and places, he delivers some solid analysis and insight.

Was it just me or was that last Cat 3 climb waaay longer than most cat 3's? Poor Vino blew his team to pieces there and still couldn't make up time. The gap was a pretty steady minute all the way up and he actually lost slightly on the descent.

[dEVoRider]

bob roll tlaks with his hands wayyyy too much.

[sanrensho]

Tomorrow should be interesting, if only to see who climbs off their bikes. Kloden has a fractured tailbone, who knows what shape Vino is in.

Noval (Discovery) might be out, too, which would reduce them to 8 riders. I swear, Discovery is cursed since Lance retired.

[pete@nsmb.com]

Ok, by 'choke' I mean I don't think those two have the X factor needed to WIN. Podium maybe. Cycling is funny - they talk about 'talent' when they really mean "lungs like an elephant and legs like a horse". That said, Leipheimer CHOKED last year in the TT - he blamed everything but himself and believe me, I had a colleague there...he choked. I have met Levi and think he's a nice guy and I'll support him, but I just don't think he's quite going to do it. I'd be happy to be proven wrong, though I'd be even happier to see HIncapie win even though he's not really a GC favorite.

Vino is tough and today is a flat stage but he might be even more sore tomorrow...tough to know, but that's a guy I was sad to see out of it last year and I agree, he's a stud and you have to like his style. Valverde just has to stay upright and he'll be close. Watch out for Sastre, that guy is quick! Pereiro...I don't think he'll be there in the end. Evans - top 5.

Bobke HAS been there and to me that makes it even worse. Instead of trying to bridge the gap between your typical yankee armchair quarterback's ignorance of cycling and what he knows about the peloton from first hand experience, he plays to his redneck side. I'll have to check him out when I'm home in a week but from what I heard last year I wasn't overly impressed by what he had to say. I will admit though that I am a Phil and Paul fan and also that for the past 4 years the max I've been home for is 9 days of the tour - otherwise I watch is here in italian or french or in english on weekends when I can check out the Eurosport feed which we don't get in the office.

[wallyjames]

Bobke is annoying all right. He has set up a persona and operates from there. Just like Don Cherry with his big mouth, loads of bombast and those stupid outfits. But in both cases under it all is incisive comment and first hand knowledge. It's shame both guys feel they have to put on such an act.

[brian]

Sherwen has done the Tour 7 times so I think he has some insight has well. I think it's Trautwig that brings down th evening commentary. I'm still bummed that I got Phil to change the outgoing message on my cell phone but I erased it.

[Six]

That said, Leipheimer CHOKED last year in the TT - he blamed everything but himself and believe me, I had a colleague there...he choked. I have met Levi and think he's a nice guy and I'll support him, but I just don't think he's quite going to do it. I'd be happy to be proven wrong, though I'd be even happier to see HIncapie win even though he's not really a GC favorite.

Right on Pete. Agreed. I'm hopeful that Leipheimer will do a good tour for his sake but I don't think he has the mental game down. I think Johan feels the same way based on the fact they didn't thow all the Disco Eggs in to the Levi basket. I had a good discussion with friends about him and basically it came down to...who else from North America are you going to cheer for in the GC?

Bobke? Well..he is a bit of a sideshow freak but I have a soft spot for the mug...it's Trautpig that the world can do without!

[sanrensho]

It'll be a miracle if Vino does anything but pedal backwards on tomorrow's stage, once the stage hits the mountains.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/tour07/tour076/fs023.jpg

All the teams with GC aspirations are going to set an uber fast pace up the last climb, to put Vino and Kloden in difficulty as quickly as possible. Thems the breaks when you crash hard in the TDF.

[wallyjames]

Vino has the heart and strength to pull back if anyone does. I wouldn't write him off just yet. Better for us, now has no choice to attack and that's what he does best. An angry, desperate Vino in the mountains will make for good viewing.

[sanrensho]

Vino has the heart and strength to pull back if anyone does.

I'm sure he will pull out a stage win somewhere in the second half after a bit of recovery, but crashing hard is no way to survive the full three weeks on top of GC.

If I'm the boss of CSC or maybe a lesser team with a GC contender, I'd send the entire team to the front on the last climb to drive the pace. If Kloden or Vino drops, keep driving to rub them off GC contention. Otherwise, ease off and let other teams expend their energy.

[thewalrus]

Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6:

http://www.mininova.org/tor/787135

http://www.mininova.org/tor/788484

http://www.mininova.org/tor/789925

http://www.mininova.org/tor/791485

[thewalrus]

http://kuhnke-international.com/vacca-TOUR-5a-0361.jpg

[Six]

Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6:

http://www.mininova.org/tor/787135

http://www.mininova.org/tor/788484

http://www.mininova.org/tor/789925

http://www.mininova.org/tor/791485

Hey Walrus...how do these bit torrents work? Is there an application I would have to d/l and install first??

[thewalrus]

http://dessent.net/btfaq/

http://www.utorrent.com/

[brian]

painful watching this while getting e-mails from my buddy in the Mavic car behind Moreau.

[Wayne P]

painful watching this while getting e-mails from my buddy in the Mavic car behind Moreau.

Get him to pull out his wang for the world to see.

[pete@nsmb.com]

For Vino, even if he recovers well, he'll never be given enough rope to make a serious cut into GC, so to make up 5+ minutes from time trials and maybe some bonus seconds here and there seems pretty remote. Still, he obviously made Kloeden wait for him today - whether that was pride or because he's still going to race to win is hard to know although I assume it's the latter and that's one thing you have to love about Vino. Another thing you have to feel for him is a little pity b/c the poor guy can't catch a break in the tour between racing for a team with no balls (former T-Mobile; I think their tactics are getting better now), no head (Liberty - Saiz sure shit the bed with Puerto). At least he's now racing for a team with a lot of heart.

Rasmussen has emerged as one of the most consistent tour performers in recent years. We'll see whether he can keep the rubber down in the TT. I don't think he can win but who knows - maybe he can eke out a minute here and there on the next few mountain stages and build a lead. At least he's aggressive - like Moreau said, a lot of the GC riders aren't aggressive enough. This race has to be WON, you can't wait for everyone else to LOSE it.

[thewalrus]

Stages 7 and 8, full two-hour programs from ITV:

http://www.mininova.org/tor/792737

http://www.mininova.org/tor/794053

[wallyjames]

I'd say Valverde is still best placed for the whole thing. He's been under the radar so far and hasn't had to throw down.

[Wayne P]

Ras had a decent showing, but he'll choke I'm sure.

Who's the best TT rider of all the climbers anyway?

I love Tour speculation. Its almost as bad as hockey playoff speculation. :lol:

[Six]

http://dessent.net/btfaq/

http://www.utorrent.com/

Thanks dood! Just enjoying stage 8 as I type!!

[sanrensho]

Talk about a level playing field. After two mountain stages including one summit finish, there's still 10 or so riders that are in contention for this thing. It will take the first TT for the leader board to get sorted out and the chess game to begin.

Until then, Rasmussen should enjoy being in the driver's seat. He can detonate the peloton at his choosing tomorrow, in Stage 9. When he launches, all the other GC leaders will have to wonder whether to let him go and take time back on the TTs, or to try and close the gap on him.

[sanrensho]

Who's the best TT rider of all the climbers anyway?

Not Rasmussen, not Mayo.:) Those two guys are the only "pure" climbers with GC chances. And Contador--so I'll give the nod to him, since he finished 15th in the Prologue. The rest of the mountain goats could take a stage on any given day, but aren't consistent enough to even have a whiff of GC potential.

Chicken has an excellent chance of a high finish this year. He should really try to light things up because there is no organization in the peloton this year to close down the gaps. Astana would have been in that position, if not for Vino's crash.

[Wayne P]

It ain't over yet. I would'nt count out Vino. A guy with that much heart and hard work ethic may surprise a few people if he heals up. Reminds me of Hamilton a couple of years ago after the collar bone incident. Why else would he keep Kloden with him on stage 8? He knows that he will attack. If he doesn't heal, they might send Kloden out. I hope he gets it back because if he can attack these guys like he did Lance a couple years ago, that's all she wrote. Let's see what unfolds...

Contador? There's a lot more time to made up or lost on a big climb than in a TT. If there's any substantial gap after the mountains, that person will win it all. Rasmussen may only need another minute in the mountains and hold on for the overall. -even though he's a sucky TT rider.

This tour is like the battle of the pack filler.

[sanrensho]

At this point, I would say Valverde for the win. But honestly, who the hell knows.

[Wayne P]

That's a good bet.

[Six]

I think Vino still has an outside shot at it. He finished with the main group yesterday and if he can recover well today he might be able liven things up on a stage or two this week.

[brian]

I had Rogers in my pool. so know I'm hoping for Kloden or Menchov. I don't like my chances.

[sanrensho]

For you Astana fans, especially Wayne. Get your Astana team gear while it's hot.

http://www.probikekit.com/_img_500x640/C1305.jpg

[Wayne P]

I ain't no fan.... but stylish digs nonetheless!

[Six]

For you Astana fans, especially Wayne. Get your Astana team gear while it's hot.

http://www.probikekit.com/_img_500x640/C1305.jpg

Why didn't Borat visit Vino and crew for some uplifiting, pre-stage comedy in the team bus? Robin was there for Disco/Postal during Lance's reign!

[biopace]

Click on the green arrows to see the progression as 160lbs or so of Marcus Burghardt and bike meet up with what appears to be the toughest dog on the planet.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2007/jul/17/tourdefrance.cycling?picture=330211215



:D And to think I was iffy about putting Iban Mayo in my pool.

[brian]

Why didn't Borat visit Vino and crew for some uplifiting, pre-stage comedy in the team bus? Robin was there for Disco/Postal during Lance's reign!

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/ac/fullj.getty-tdf2007-cycling-feature_12_49_03_pm.jpg

[Couch_Surfer]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[KenN]

Now THAT's a banana hammock!

ick.

Kn.

[Wayne P]

After today's stage, Vino's no longer a pick for me. :(

Ras has got 'er won. Great performance today.

Paris:
1. Rasmussen
2. Contador
3. Valverde
4. Evans
5. Leiphiemer???

[sanrensho]

I actually think Rasmussen might have blown his chance at winning the overall today.

Pure climbers can't ride defensively in the mountains, because Rasmussen will be losing a ton of minutes in the remaining two TTs. He needed to detonate the race again today and gain more time. 2:35 on Valverde is nothing.

[biopace]

After today's stage, Vino's no longer a pick for me. :(

Ras has got 'er won. Great performance today.

Paris:
1. Rasmussen
2. Contador
3. Valverde
4. Evans
5. Leiphiemer???

I'm going

1. Kloden
2. Mayo
3. Rasmussen
4. Valverde
5. A miraculous comeback by Tom Boonen.

[Six]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/ac/fullj.getty-tdf2007-cycling-feature_12_49_03_pm.jpg

Ahhaa!! Forgot about that pic! Too bad Vino and crew weren't on the front so we could see if they found it as funny as Zabel (on the far left in pic) did!

I thought today was pretty interesting. Evans seems to be pretty full of himself this year but he hasn't really done anything to back up that attitude. I'm curious to see if Leipheimer will come into form or if he will fizzle like he has done in previous tours.

[Wayne P]

I actually think Rasmussen might have blown his chance at winning the overall today.

Pure climbers can't ride defensively in the mountains, because Rasmussen will be losing a ton of minutes in the remaining two TTs. He needed to detonate the race again today and gain more time. 2:35 on Valverde is nothing.

2:35 is huge! How many mountains are left? Are there any? He won't loose that much time in 2 TT's. Although, if the length of each TT is long enough then maybe Valverde has a chance.

[sanrensho]

2:35 is huge! How many mountains are left? Are there any? He won't loose that much time in 2 TT's. Although, if the length of each TT is long enough then maybe Valverde has a chance.

There are 110 km of TT left. Rasmussen lost 30 seconds in just 8 km of prologue. You can do the math.

Mayo is going to plummet down the GC board, too.

Levi is just hanging on until the Pyrenees to make his move. Not a bad strategy so far as it could be a race of attrition. Assuming, of course, that Levi can hang with the big guns in the Pyrenees.

[Wayne P]

I should restate what I said: 2:35 is huge for a well rounded rider with a strong team. Ras and his team? Uhhh..... Can I change my overall picks? ;)

I don't discount Levi. He seems to do better every year, and really how long will he be racing for anyway? Mayo, he'll choke as usual.

[sanrensho]

Evans seems to be pretty full of himself this year but he hasn't really done anything to back up that attitude.

Alert, alert! According to the CyclingNews coverage today, Evans actually put in a dig today.

Expect sheep to fall from the sky, and money to start growing from trees. I predict that Leipheimer will also put in a dig in the Pyrenees, as a foot of snow blankets the entire continent of Africa.

[Six]

Alert, alert! According to the CyclingNews coverage today, Evans actually put in a dig today.

Expect sheep to fall from the sky, and money to start growing from trees. I predict that Leipheimer will also put in a dig in the Alps, as a foot of snow blankets the entire continent of Africa.

You mean Leipheimer in the Pyrenees right? Alps are done now...

[sanrensho]

Gaahh, corrected.

Check out today's quote from Rasmussen:

"I am very happy with today," said the skinny Dane. "Now there is no doubt about who is the captain of this team is. I stayed close to Valverde because he had another teammate up there. I felt like it was a victory for me to be able to fight back the 25 times Valverde tried to attack. I felt very clear in the head today seeing the tactics of the race. It was disappointing that Menchov couldn't get his ass over the Galibier. I think it's a climber's Tour."

Rabobank--the new T-Mobile?

[gary j]

2:35 is huge! How many mountains are left? Are there any? He won't loose that much time in 2 TT's. Although, if the length of each TT is long enough then maybe Valverde has a chance.

dude? the pyrenese are still to come. we are only 9 days in.

remember his final TT last season when a podium spot was up for grabs? it was embarassing.
i still think Ras is the man to beat. but he is going to need to win a few more mountian stages to do it.

besides we, as mountain bikers, are forced to cheer for those who cut their teeth in the dirt. (Evans also quailifies)

[Six]

It was disappointing that Menchov couldn't get his ass over the Galibier.

Baaahhahaha! I would pay to hear the Ras say that in his little pipsqueek voice!

Just re-read Gary's post..I don't think the Ras rode todays stage like a guy who wants to win the tour in the mountains....especially after a rest day and with relatively flat stages ahead until the Pyrenees start. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until Sunday.

[sanrensho]

Famous last words:

Rasmussen: "The time trial is not a concern even if it's not my specialty. I haven't worked on it specifically but we have done some testing with the Rabobank team visiting the wind tunnel and adjusted my position to try and refine some aspects of that discipline and hopefully the result will reflect that I'm a little stronger against the clock than I was two years ago."

[Wayne P]

dude? the pyrenese are still to come. we are only 9 days in.

In my defense, I haven't really been following it as I should.

...so shut the hell up Jackson. :P

[sanrensho]

Babel Fish is such a wonderful thing, I just ran Rasmussen's quote through it and it came up with this translation:

"I haven't done sh*t to address my weaknesses, but I'm hoping that some minor fixes will do the trick. At least, I won't fall off my bike and look like an incompetent amateur like I did in that nightmarish and embarrassing TT two years ago."

[brian]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EzeknUUhRoE

[Wayne P]

He should start racing downhill with those skills.

[wallyjames]

Don't be too quick to knock Rasmussen. I thought he rode an intelligent stage today. He covered the breaks that mattered and ignored the ones that didn't. He didn't appear maxed, and watched as Vino slipped out of contention and Astana tellingly allowed Kloden to stay with the contender group. He's now good for a stage win maybe, nothing more.

Cadel showed his inexperience by going after Contador, blowing and then hanging out in no mans land on his own. At the end of the day he had the same result as Chicken but had to burn a lot of matches. He went on the offensive for the first time I've seen, but it didn't net him anything. I thought Lance had taught everyone the lesson pretty clearly over the past few years: the best results are had by attacking on mtn top finishes; there's no time for the opponents to claw back on. To wit: Soler's fine climb had him over 3 min in front at the top of the Galibier but just a minute at the finish.

I'm sticking with Valverde for my pick. He has a balance of good TT and climbing abilities and has so far avoided crashes and other problems. He's the best placed contender behind Rasmussen. I think the Chicken will be on the podium in Paris too. He'll lose time in the TTs, but not as much as some think. Surely he can't possibly ride another TT as bad as the final one in the 2005 Tour.

[thewalrus]

Dog vs. Lightweight Obermeyer

http://image.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2007/07/17/labrador.jpg

http://image.guim.co.uk/Guardian/sport/gallery/2007/jul/17/tourdefrance.cycling/GD4049995@Stage-nine-Val-d'Iser-8324.jpg

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/d8/fullj.getty-tdf2007-cycling-burghardt_12_48_32_pm.jpg

Youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLNTuxFdvvg

[connor]

Cadel showed his inexperience by going after Contador, blowing and then hanging out in no mans land on his own. At the end of the day he had the same result as Chicken but had to burn a lot of matches.



watching Contador make Evans his bitch made me smile..

[pete@nsmb.com]

I thought today was pretty interesting. Evans seems to be pretty full of himself this year but he hasn't really done anything to back up that attitude. I'm curious to see if Leipheimer will come into form or if he will fizzle like he has done in previous tours.

I think Evans is playing it smart. He doesn't have the team behind him that some of the others do so he can't afford to make mistakes. He's certainly not a flashy rider but he is consistent and he does know how to finish a Tour. Horner is his only lieutenant, and he's in decent form, but that's it. Evans is a podium bet for me, but certainly a repeat of last year's 5th.

Levi seems a bit out in the mountains but he can TT. Still, his inconsistency prevents me from picking him for the win. Give him a podium but I think I'm being charitable.

Contador is still too young to still be in contention in week 3 I think and he'll be asked to help Levi.

Kloden is going to emerge as the days wear on, especially if they decide Vino's chances are on the decline. Kloden can beat down almost everyone in the TT and he'll be a force in the Pyrenees if he's allowed to ride free - I take him for top 3.

Rasmussen will need one or two more wins like he already had in order to have a chance - and Menchov isn't on form, so one bad day for the chicken in the Pyrenees and he may lose his shot. His chances are as good as Levi's.

Moreau looks great and he's a decent TT rider but I think as the tour goes on he might pay for his good form in the Dauphine. I'll be cheering for him but I don't expect him to be on the podium.

Valverde for the podium - he's such a good all around rider he can even pick up a few time bonuses in sprints and then wax everyone in a HC climb the next day if he's feeling it, plus he holds his own in the TT.

My darkhorse is Sastre and Mayo if he stays lucky (read: doesn't get unlucky). Even Pereiro still looks ok.

My podium is Kloden, Valverde, and Leipheimer with Evans or Ras in 4th - the last two because Levi's team is looking pretty good.

[wallyjames]

Fair assessments Pete. Kloden's time loss escorting Vino in stage 8 could be the difference though. He's the most experienced and has a solid team. Mayo can't TT - stage win for him in the Pyrenees is possible while he tries to make up time lost against the clock this weekend.

[gary j]

they rode right by alpe d'ueze (sp?) yesterday.

isn't it in this this year?

[Six]

watching Contador make Evans his bitch made me smile..

Haha..me too!

Good points for sure Wally and Pete. Even though I mightily enjoyed watching Evans get his ass handed to him I respect the fact that he's taking responsibility for his race.

I haven't really voiced my podium picks. I can't decide on a finishing order so here they are in no particular order;

Valverde: we know he's got the legs. And he's shown he has the brains...he's been racing this tour to win..grabbing bonus seconds at every opportunity.

Leipheimer: I believe he's going to come on strong in the Pyrenees (at the very least hold his own) and smoke in the two time trials.

Evans: only because of the way he animated things during yesterdays stage. He can pretty much do it all.

Those who have an outside chance: Kloden, Rasmussen (if he still as team that will work for him after his asshat comment about Karpets)

[sanrensho]

Those who have an outside chance: Kloden, Rasmussen (if he still as team that will work for him after his asshat comment about Karpets)

Kloden was smoking in the Prologue, so he could be climbing high up the GC now that he's been freed from towing Vino.

Things I want to see in the 2nd half of the race:

1. Rasmussen vs. Menchov: Could be old school team in-fighting at its best. Rasmussen has a bad day and Menchov blows right by the Chicken. No bottles for you, mate.

2. More crashes: Which T-Mobile rider will crash next? Will he crash into an inanimate object, biped, or four-legged animal? Plaaaace your bets now!

3. Moreau-bot Attacking Machine 2.0 (sets new record for number of attacks on a single alpine climb)

4. Does Valverde have a good looking sister?

[pete@nsmb.com]

:lol: nice one ^^

One thing that's easy to forget - sometimes in the mountains it's better to let a guy go and gain 30 seconds on you, particularly if you think he won't be able to keep doing that day in, day out. Witness Evans and Leipheimer...that might be what they're up to. Or they might just be a cut below. But they don't talk about 'not burning all your matches' for a reason. The recent ride I did over 3 passes all over 2,000 m were a reminder of the toll that takes on your body for more than a week after (in my case - not so much for them, but still).

Also let's remember that just because someone looked good in the <8km prologue that it means they'll be good in a 50k TT - totally different animals; even though it was won by a TT specialist, other guys did well who won't in a real TT. That said, Klodi is a killer TT rider.

I think I want Valverde to win more than anyone. The fact that he can climb and sprint is just awesome. It'd be cool to see Levi do well but I kind of am hoping for a non-yankee to stand on the top step for a change. Evans lives close to me and I see him out on training rides but he's always going the other way so I never really met him. Too bad - if I had I'd probably really be cheering for him.

[sanrensho]

Looking more closely at tomorrow's first TT stage, it appears to be hilly and technical.

The official Tour site says, "More technical riders should not be at too much of a disadvantage, because the final descent is very sinuous. Therefore, in order to make one’s mark here, the riders will have to be able to press down hard on the pedals and also show finesse in the more technical parts of the route."

Doesn't bode well for Rasmussen.

http://www.letour.fr/2007/TDF/img/parcours/_TDF_2007_MAP_1300.gif

[Six]

Rasmussen has bigger problems than the time trial...Moo!

[sanrensho]

^^^You're right, it's one thing to ride well, but dealing with public doping accusations and other accusations is another thing.

Plus who knows what Menchov will slip in his cereal tomorrow morning.

[Six]

Plus who knows what Menchov will slip in his cereal tomorrow morning.

Hehe...no kidding. I'd love to hear the breakfast table jokes when the pass the milk!

[connor]

How about Vino laying the smack-down today..

is it too little too late though??

[Wayne P]

He'll have to do some big things and have some lucky breaks to bring back all that time on a climber. I think Vino could get on the podium though.

Probably the bigger surprise was Evans coming in second and now sits only a minute behind the Chicken. Now that's going to be an interesting battle. But while those guys are duking it out, some other guy might step up and sneak in for the overall.

Where the hell was Valverde?

[connor]

Where the hell was Valverde?

getting passed by Rasmussen?? where the hell did that come from?

[Six]

Vino was very impressive today. He will be on the attack tomorrow big time! Levi did about what I expected he would do. He seems to be riding too conservatively to me. I'm really stoked to see what Contador will do in the coming days. There is going to be some awesome racing ahead!!

[KenN]

Ya gotta admit, it's kinda cool to see the top two in GC both started their pro careers as mtn bikers.

Kn.

[Wayne P]

The chicken is walking away with it. Its his to lose now.

[pete@nsmb.com]

Today was a revelatory day in the Pyrenees. Contador was very impressive. Rasmussen is also looking good - even if his next TT isn't as good, it looks like the lowest he'll finish is 2nd. What an effort by his team! Menchov and Boogerd really stepped up. Evans and Leipheimer didn't lose it today, but their job is getting harder, that's for sure. Disco managed themselves very well today. Tomorrow is even tougher...

Something is wrong with Valverde - maybe he's sick or something but I'm a bit surprised at his form the last two days Anyone heard any excuses yet?

[pete@nsmb.com]

Oh, I should also add after watching some of the TT yesterday with Bob Roll and his useless sidekick - I have to admit I was wrong about Bobke, overall his commentary was much more useful than I remembered from the past.

[Six]

I think Leipheimer showed his class today. He rode smart, helped his team mate take the win and advanced his own GC place. I am going to be really happy if he can make it to the 3rd step (or higher) on the podium.

[Wayne P]

The old man had a great ride too. Disco is having a pretty good tour.

[Ninja]

Stage 14 Disco showed what a great team they are, George did a huge pull, that reeled back alot of time of the breakaway then Popo just killed it on the climb, huge! The one/two by Levi and Contador to split the lead group. Solar (sp) Kinda buggered up the perfect finale bye taking third, but what can you do, that guy is fast up hills. His future is looking bright, Barloworld can kiss him goodbye.

[Ninja]

Oh, I should also add after watching some of the TT yesterday with Bob Roll and his useless sidekick - I have to admit I was wrong about Bobke, overall his commentary was much more useful than I remembered from the past.

He has got alot better from the past. He makes me laugh which is a nice change, in a 3 hour broadcast.

[Wayne P]

Read my last two posts for today's update. :P

...except for Vino! Nice ride but damn what happened yesterday???

[Six]

Damn! No kidding. I guess the crash he was involved in yesterday was a big setback for the day. I'm glad that he is animating the race with his attacking style tho! Woohoo! Maybe he'll go again tomorrow. Basically a snore fest for the GC contenders tho...

[Wayne P]

The only way the chicken will lose his 2:35 lead now is if he has a bad crash or similar. Nice to see him and Contador battling though. I'm interested to see if Levi can get back a minute and a half on Evans for third spot. That's going to be a good battle.

[bzerk]

I was committed to not watching the tour but the last 3 days have pulled me back to the 6am sofa call. Contador will win the tour some time over the next few years. Great to see the next gen arrive. I hope the chicken wins - nice to have a mtn biker take the Tour. And I sure hope he's given up the doping.

[baloom]

Oh, I should also add after watching some of the TT yesterday with Bob Roll and his useless sidekick - I have to admit I was wrong about Bobke, overall his commentary was much more useful than I remembered from the past.


regardless of what you might think of Roll's "big dumb doofus" persona, not only has he ridden in several TdF's (3?), he was super-domestique to Andy Hampsten for Giro and Tour de Suisse wins. Sure he has never been anything other than a workerbee, but whom other than a workerbee knows about true self-less suffering that goes on in the peleton. Sure he's a bit of a hometeam guy and his goofy turns of phrase can be a bit irritating, but he knows race strategy and he knows what the riders are thinking in the peleton and can convey that to the view. When I want the lilt of speech that is easy on the ear, I get up early for the Sherwen/Liggett show. I will often watch again in the evening because, despite his flaws Bobke entertains and educates.

[connor]

regardless of what you might think of Roll's "big dumb doofus" persona, not only has he ridden in several TdF's (3?), he was super-domestique to Andy Hampsten for Giro and Tour de Suisse wins. Sure he has never been anything other than a workerbee, but whom other than a workerbee knows about true self-less suffering that goes on in the peleton. Sure he's a bit of a hometeam guy and his goofy turns of phrase can be a bit irritating, but he knows race strategy and he knows what the riders are thinking in the peleton and can convey that to the view. When I want the lilt of speech that is easy on the ear, I get up early for the Sherwen/Liggett show. I will often watch again in the evening because, despite his flaws Bobke entertains and educates.

did you guys watch the Bobke motage a couple days ago, it was f-in hilarious.. when he broke his toe-strap in that sprint and threw his bike, then bitched out his team owners for not giving them the keys to the support truck.. awesome.

[Six]

did you guys watch the Bobke motage a couple days ago, it was f-in hilarious.. when he broke his toe-strap in that sprint and threw his bike, then bitched out his team owners for not giving them the keys to the support truck.. awesome.

....heads to quickly to youtube...

dangit..no youtube love.

[connor]

....heads to quickly to youtube...

dangit..no youtube love.

yeah, I couldn't find it either..

[KenN]

did you guys watch the Bobke motage a couple days ago, it was f-in hilarious.. when he broke his toe-strap in that sprint and threw his bike, then bitched out his team owners for not giving them the keys to the support truck.. awesome.

Saw it ... loved it. You forgot to mention the funniest bit, though. When the team mechanic was leaning out the support car door, adjusting his bike and ...


fell right the hell out of the car, sending both mechanic and rider into a big pile of yardsale!!

Kn.

[connor]

yess, here you go..

http://www.versus.com/tdf/article/category/87/?tf=articlecat_video2.tpl&sm=4&CatLimit=1&cc=1&ArtLimit=100&ac=1&cat=&Offset=11&mt=&CatUserDef=true&ss=video

just look for the Bob Roll Special..


hahahhaa

[wallyjames]

Vinokourov... can't anyone work it out or am I complertely wrong here? 1. Loses enough time last week that the team give up on him and let Kloden go for it all. 2. Rides a big TT for personal revenge (hates Kloden). 3. Fast TT scares other GC contenders and makes him a marked man. 4. Sits up in mtns to give legs a rest and lose so much time that he is not a GC contender. 5. Allowed to escape with break and on to mtn stage win for personal revenge (hates Kloden).

I'm sure he wanted the big prize but he is playing the hand he was dealt. A TT stage win and a mtn stage win are pretty reasonable consolation prizes.

Rasmussen... has he done enough to win? Wednesday stage will tell all. Contador must attack as he can't rely on Chicken falling to pieces in the final TT - what a superb ride Ras had on Saturday, put some demons to rest there for sure. Contador and Rasmussen are a 2 man race now. My man Valverde had a bad day in the TT and appears to have lost the will to attack.

My money's on Contador. Disco's team is strong and experienced, and they have the best manager/tactician in the business. Sending Hincapie up the road today to sit in on the break and be available to help for a final assault is classic Bruyneel.

[Wayne P]

^ Watching Kloden hang onto the coat tails of Ulrich a few years ago as they pounced on their own rider (Vino) was enough reason for Vino to serve up some 'just' desserts to Kloden. Good on him if that was his motive.

Disco is experienced and all, but Pops and George won't hang onto a climber like the chicken if he decides to go. There goes any help for Contador. The only place they can get it back is a TTT. Without looking, is there one this year?

It might depend on how Levi is feeling, since he is el capitan right? If Levi is feeling great on one stage, Contador may be called in to attack the chicken so Levi can ride away with it. It's probably too late for those tactics now. Maybe a reversal of captain roles provided only if Levi has the juice to attack Rasmussen.

[Ninja]

did you guys watch the Bobke motage a couple days ago, it was f-in hilarious.. when he broke his toe-strap in that sprint and threw his bike, then bitched out his team owners for not giving them the keys to the support truck.. awesome.

That was f-n priceless.. I was howling. He lost that sprint to the slowest man in the peleton.
When they cut to the Video of him watching the montage... his laughter and facial expressions were kill'n me....

too funny

[Ninja]

I don't think Vino hates Kloden. Going on a breakaway doesn't hurt Kloden at all. Vino can't keep up with the GC guys on the hills, so how is he going to be able to help Kloden out?

Kloden had the chance to be the #1 guy at T Mobile after the shake up, but he choose to go with Astana to be the #2 guy to Vino... a guy he hates... doesn't add up to me!

[Ninja]

Disco is experienced and all, but Pops and George won't hang onto a climber like the chicken if he decides to go. There goes any help for Contador. The only place they can get it back is a TTT. Without looking, is there one this year?

It might depend on how Levi is feeling, since he is el capitan right? If Levi is feeling great on one stage, Contador may be called in to attack the chicken so Levi can ride away with it. It's probably too late for those tactics now. Maybe a reversal of captain roles provided only if Levi has the juice to attack Rasmussen.
No TTT this year. Levi is now second fiddle to Contador. Bruenell(sp) said it on the 5:00 OLN showing. Altho they will do everything they can to make sure he get's third!

[Wayne P]

No TTT??? That's too bad. No way Ras will be beat now unless he does something stupid like not showing up.

[Ninja]

Yeah it bugs me to say it, but I think Chicken legs has it in the bag.

[Six]

yess, here you go..

http://www.versus.com/tdf/article/category/87/?tf=articlecat_video2.tpl&sm=4&CatLimit=1&cc=1&ArtLimit=100&ac=1&cat=&Offset=11&mt=&CatUserDef=true&ss=video

just look for the Bob Roll Special..


hahahhaa

Awesome!! That was sooo funny!

[wallyjames]

Too late in the race for Levi to change it now, Disco will throw their weight behind Contador. He certainly had permission to go up the road yesterday, didn't he? Naturally they will avoid making a big announcement - have to keep the face for the American media and public - but actions say the Spaniard is the leader now.

If Vino was a 100% team guy he would have worked for Kloden yesterday. Being up the road on a quest for a stage win is not the same as riding tempo for a team leader.

That Astana team has been ambiguous from the start, loading up on other potential team leaders like that. Way too many chiefs on that squad.

[snorris]

That Astana team has been ambiguous from the start

Sounds like they aren't even showing up tomorrow....something in the vino....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2007/tour07/news/?id=/news/2007/jul07/jul25news

[Wayne P]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! The drama continues!

[Six]

Sounds like they aren't even showing up tomorrow....something in the vino....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2007/tour07/news/?id=/news/2007/jul07/jul25news

Something indeed..what a load of shit.

[KenN]

Sounds like they aren't even showing up tomorrow....something in the vino....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2007/tour07/news/?id=/news/2007/jul07/jul25news

Whoa ... very surprising. Also surprising is that this is tagged as a "July 25 news flash" even though it's still July 24 (here and in Europe!).

Kn.

[Six]

Whoa ... very surprising. Also surprising is that this is tagged as a "July 25 news flash" even though it's still July 24 (here and in Europe!).

Kn.

Well...it is tomorrow in Australia...

[KenN]

Well...it is tomorrow in Australia...

Yah, but neither Velonews nor Le Tour are based in Oz!

Kn.

[brian]

Yah, but neither Velonews nor Le Tour are based in Oz!

Kn.

no. but cyclingnews.com is.

[Six]

Yah, but neither Velonews nor Le Tour are based in Oz!

Kn.

My bad..should have mentioned that cyclingnews.com is based in Oz...

[KenN]

no. but cyclingnews.com is.

Ook ... I learned my new thing for this year!

Kn.

[sanrensho]

I thought today was a rest day. Can't they give it a rest already?

I don't need more drama, just more racing.

[sanrensho]

Stage 14...Popo just killed it on the climb, huge!

That was probably the longest uphill pull (by a domestique) to shred a peloton in the last 5 or 6 years. I figured he would pull off after a kilometer, but he kept motoring along. Impressive. At one point on that climb, Disco had 3 out of 8 riders in the lead group.

Time to forget about Vino and let the fireworks begin tomorrow.

With no sponsor in sight, I think Discovery will throw everything at Rabobank tomorrow. I expect a Disco rider to try to get in the early break for tactical reasons, and Popo/Hincapie will try to break Rasmussen's lieutenants on one of the earlier climbs in an effort to isolate him. If they can whittle the peloton to Leipheimer, Contador, Rasmussen and a few select riders. Then Leipheimer and Contador can take turns trying to break Rasmussen. (Bearing in mind that Leipheimer doesn't have the same explosiveness as Contador or Rasmussen to a less extent.)

Getting a rider in the early break also gives Disco an extra motor to drop back and tow the group to the last climb.

Rasmussen got lucky with that first TT, in that he was able to ride in the dry while the earlier riders had to ride very conservatively on the wet descents. Rasmussen will likely lose more time to Contador in the final TT than he did in the first TT.

Evans is going to be in for a rough ride tomorrow. He could be the casualty that gets caught in the crossfire between Rabo and Disco.

[wallyjames]

Sastre is out there in the break right now and Rabo, Disco and Lotto are all playing chicken to see who will pull him back. Final climb will be a battle royale. Now I'm off to work and wondering all day what happened.

[Six]

17:06 CEST
Rasmussen seems quite a bit stronger than two days ago.

Leipheimer has dropped Evans...he's fighting to hold onto his podium place..

17:06 CEST 213.5km/5km to go
The two leaders go under the 5km to go banner.. Ramussen leads.

Leipheimer is coming back!


WOOOT! Go Levi!!!!

[biopace]

WOW! Ras just broke Contador. And Discovery. That was awesome!

[Wayne P]

Oh yea, Levi is gunning for the third spot and he's going to get it.

[KenN]

Commentary today was just a bit stupid.

"Rasmussen seems confused ... why isn't he responding to the attack?" and similar comments. It was clear to me even as the commentator said this that Rasmussen was just biding his time, waiting for Contador to wear himself out with repeated accelerations while responding only at a very measured pace.

Kn.

[brian]

Cofidis has just a little egg on their face today. They protested the start because they were against all the doping in the peleton and then one of their riders, Moreni is busted for testerone.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2007/tour07/news/?id=/news/2007/jul07/jul25news5

[KenN]

This is a rather funny bit:

Vinokourov: 'I never doped'

Vinokourov told the French sports daily L'Equipe in Wednesday's edition that he had not cheated. "It's a mistake. I never doped, that's not the way I see my profession," the newspaper quoted him as saying. "I think it's a mistake in part due to my crash. I have spoken to the team doctors who had a hypothesis that there was an enormous amount of blood in my thighs, which could have led to my positive test."

Vinokourov claimed to be the victim of a "provocation." "It's been going on for months and today they're managing to demolish me," he said. "The setting up of our team made a lot of people jealous and now we're paying the price. It's a shame to leave the Tour this way, but I don't want to waste time in proving my innocence."

Vinokourov did manage a joke about his situation. "I heard that I made a transfusion with my father's blood," Vinokourov said. "That's absurd, I can tell you that with his blood, I would have tested positive for vodka."

Hmmm ... "I don't want to waste time proving my innocence".

Hmmmm .....

Kn.

[sanrensho]

Looks like Contador hit the proverbial wall that usually faces young riders in the third week of Le Tour.

Evans has to like his chances heading into the last TT. He put a minute into Contador in the first hilly TT, so it's entirely possible that he move into 2nd with just a 2-minute gap to erase.

Leipheimer really gave it his all today.

[nouseforaname]

For me that was one of Leipheimers best performances. He combined the role of super domestique - leading Contador up the hill/ attacking Rasmussen to try and blow him up - but didn't forget his own responsibilities - ditched Contador to ensure he gained as much time as possible over Evans.

A tough balancing act.

[sanrensho]

For me that was one of Leipheimers best performances.

He looked pretty wasted at the post-race interview.

Although he may have sacrificed his chances at putting more time into Evans and taking the 3rd podium spot, maybe we will see a more aggressive Leipheimer at the Tour next year.

Evans is really a rider in the Kloden/Ullrich mode (so is Leipheimer). He just claws back and never gives up.

[sanrensho]

Cofidis has just a little egg on their face today.

Looks like the entire team has pulled out. Maybe we should start a pool to bet on which team will get yanked next.

The great thing about the Tour is all the sub-plots.

[Six]

Levi keeps going up notches in my book. I really like that guy's style. He always seems so level headed in interviews and it's evident that he is on the bike as well. Too bad this has been overshadowed by the likes of Ras-moo-sen, Vino, Sinkewitz, and now Moreni. I really hope the message this is sending to the other riders (teams having to withdraw and ultimately letting team mates down) sticks with these guys so they think twice in the future. You guys have to give that Walsh interview I posted a listen. It's not negative and it's really interesting. He came across as a conspiracy nut at first but by the end a lot of what he was saying was really making sense.

[KenN]

Yep, Cofidis has tanked ...

http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12930.0.html

I think the pool should be: how many riders will arrive at the Champs-Elysees? Less than 100? There were 150 finishers today, at least 7 of those will not start tomorrow.

Kn.

[Ninja]

Well Disco is now sitting pretty. 1st and 3rd. I wonder if Levi can beat Evans out of second place.

See you later drugies!

[Couch_Surfer]

Well I'm here in Paris and waiting for the Peloton to show up on the Champs. My big question is how many teams will be left.

2 teams pulled in discrace - yellow jersey fired from his team after 10 stages of ownership.... what an embarrassment.

[KenN]

Well I'm here in Paris and waiting for the Peloton to show up on the Champs. My big question is how many teams will be left.

2 teams pulled in discrace - yellow jersey fired from his team after 10 stages of ownership.... what an embarrassment.

I swear, by the time they get to Paris it'll look more like a date than a peloton.

Kn.

[sanrensho]

What the hell will we wake up to tomorrow?

[Lady Gravity]

ok, being a tour groupie newbie, i gotta ask - is all this drama the most that's ever been? or is this normal :???:

[Six]

ok, being a tour groupie newbie, i gotta ask - is all this drama the most that's ever been? or is this normal :???:

This is exeptional even for the tour....

[sanrensho]

is all this drama the most that's ever been?

You pretty much nailed it. Most of the talk is usually about who is going to overtake who, not about who is going to get kicked out next.

[Wayne P]

There's some sort of major drama just about every year, but with Lance there was usually only knowing he would win (2003 was nuts though).

This tour is exceptional.

[Wayne P]

Brunyel (sp?) and Discovery look to be the darlings of the tour once more. Just 2 TDF's out from Lance's last cake walk and they're back on top.

[gary j]

ok, being a tour groupie newbie, i gotta ask - is all this drama the most that's ever been? or is this normal :???:

i think last year was worse;
a bunch of contenders booted right before the start and then the overall winner gets busted.

seems to me this is just tour as usual.

[bzerk]

I'm calling expressvu to cancel my OLN subscription. F**in dopers.

That's what I like about crankworx. The only dope there is BC's finest.

[Six]

I'm calling expressvu to cancel my OLN subscription. F**in dopers.

That's what I like about crankworx. The only dope there is BC's finest.

Don't be so quick...you can always fall back on bass fishin and lumberjack sports...or mebbe doggie competitions!

[sanrensho]

Some perspective from Cadel Evans, who seems to be widely respected as a "clean" rider within the peloton:

"I believe that cycling is in a transition period. I have no doubt that the sport is cleaner right at this moment than it has ever been. But you can't change a damaged culture in five minutes. Amazingly, through all this controversy, the Tour de France is probably cleaner now than at any time in its history."

[wallyjames]

i think last year was worse;
a bunch of contenders booted right before the start and then the overall winner gets busted.

seems to me this is just tour as usual.

Be serious Gary. A 10-day yellow jersey wearer pulled out by his own team when he had 2 stage wins and minutes in hand with the mountains over? Never has anything like that happened. The Floyd scandal happened after the race was over.

[snorris]

Be serious Gary. A 10-day yellow jersey wearer pulled out by his own team when he had 2 stage wins and minutes in hand with the mountains over? Never has anything like that happened. The Floyd scandal happened after the race was over.

Perhaps...but I wouldn't say the drama is unprecedented. Some years there is more than others.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/veloarchive/races/tour/1904.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Simpson

Drama sells papers!

[Six]

Some perspective from Cadel Evans, who seems to be widely respected as a "clean" rider within the peloton:

"I believe that cycling is in a transition period. I have no doubt that the sport is cleaner right at this moment than it has ever been. But you can't change a damaged culture in five minutes. Amazingly, through all this controversy, the Tour de France is probably cleaner now than at any time in its history."

Cadel also says the UCI is doing good things in the battle against doping....better ask Dick Pound his opinion on that one....

http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12955.0.html

[gary j]

The Floyd scandal happened after the race was over.

to me, that is worse. floyd won the tour and was caught doping during the tour. that means there was no winner in 2006. no clean victory riding into paris in yellow. can anyone even remember who won?

Ras may have won, (there was a TT left to negotiate) and may have been doped up before the race. lets not forget he has never failed a drug test and has taken many during this tour. he failed to appear for testing. suspicious yes, a positive test, no.

Now we will (presumably) have a clean winner of this years tour.

[Six]

Ras may have won, (there was a TT left to negotiate) and may have been doped up before the race. lets not forget he has never failed a drug test and has taken many during this tour. he failed to appear for testing. suspicious yes, a positive test, no.

Agreed - no positive test but... "Rasmussen told the Danish newspaper that there is an entire village in Mexico that can verify he was there in June. That shouldn't be necessary. If he truly had been in Mexico, producing a simple passport stamp would suffice." Velonews quote

http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12969.0.html

I smell a rat where Rasmoosen is concerned and I think while all the evidence is circumstantial against him he is as dirty as they come. I don't blame the Rabo for what they did. I think it was the smart move.

[wallyjames]

Well the smart move was not to bring Rasmussen to the tour at all considering the unfinished business hanging out there, but Rabo had to impress their sponsor with a stage win or two. Now they have a sponsor who's so impressed they insisted on yanking him in midstream.

[Mic]

I just heard on the radio that the Tour de France commitee/panel members are not working together with the UCI any longer.

[bcbud]

31 seconds seperates 3rd from 1st. Levi said he would not attack tomorrow. I am wondering why. If I had a chance to win on the last day I would be all over the top 2 riders.......or is this stage really not a stage or a race....

[Wayne P]

Levi is not going to take it away from his team mate, that's why.

[bcbud]

What about Cadel? Would he make a move to take those 20 odd seconds away?

[Wayne P]

Its too hard to get away from the pack and stay out. If you've ever ridden in a pack you'd see why because its so easy to go fast. Not many riders can do it and it usually is coupled with riders in the pack not willing to chase. But with the strength and depth of the Disco team, nobody would break clear of them. Cadel also doesn't have a very strong team either.

I'd love to see Cadel go out and giv'er but the sprinters are going to win tommorrow. Although those time bonuses are worth a lot.... he could do it but it will take a mighty effort!

[bcbud]

with the times so close I would love to see a real race on the last day instead of some parade...

[wallyjames]

Tradition is a powerful thing in cycling, and tradition is that the stage into Paris is a parade for the GC guys and a last gallop for the sprinters. Even in the famous 1989 Tour where Greg Lemond won the final TT to take the overall by a mere 8 seconds, he was not challenged on the final stage to Paris. Nonetheless you can bet Disco will be keeping an eye on things and not letting Cadel go out for those time bonuses.

[wallyjames]

So where now for Cadel Evans and Levi Leipheimer? Levi and the team formerly known as Discovery will have to do some soul searching over the future roles of all concerned.

Cadel needs to consider a different team; either that or Lotto leave McEwen off future Tour squads. Ullrich couldn't beat Armstrong with Zabel diverting team resources to his sprint jersey efforts, and the same thing is happening to Cadel. Horner was the only guy who could do anything in the mtns and often Cadel was left isolated in the climbing stages. Too many sprint guys to support McEwen. Now both Aussies have solid results to demand that they get things their way and the two programs just aren't compatible. Someone will have to leave that team for Cadel to have a tilt at winning the GC.

[sanrensho]

Clearly, Evans will have to be the one to move.

A sprinter of McEwen's caliber guarantees x number of wins (publicity) in any given season, including stage wins at the Tour. With Evans, they might get two weeks of publicity, and a podium spot isn't even guaranteed.

Evans needs a dedicated team with some climbers to better neutralize a stronger climber like Contador. A Spanish team might be a good fit, but realistically he can pick and choose from almost any team, although only a few can realistically help him get to the top spot on the podium. It would be interesting for him to sign on with Jonathan Vaughter's new team, since that would guarantee them a wild card entry into the 2008 Tour, although it wouldn't be his best short for the overall.

Leipheimer's contract with Discovery ends this year, so it wouldn't even surprise me if Leipheimer and Evans got switched out. However, Evans shouldn't entertain any second banana offers if he really wants to win it some day.

[sanrensho]

I just heard on the radio that the Tour de France commitee/panel members are not working together with the UCI any longer.

ASO (which runs the TdF) has had a running feud with the UCI for ages. At this point, it's the usual threats and accusations. I'll believe it when it happens.

[wallyjames]

That would be war if ASO pulled the Tour completely from the UCI. Then the old spectre of licenced riders being penalised for riding in unsanctioned events rears its head. You would effectively have a rival sanctioning organization to the UCI coming into being. ASO will eventually relaise this and back off. As SAnrensho says, most of it is hot air. ASO is desperate to keep the image of the Tour drug free and are lashing out at anyone who they think are threatening that. Funny how the governing bodies always get the blame for this stuff. UCI does the testing and makes the rules, and the athletes avoid the testing and break the rules, yet somehow it's UCI's fault. ASO want the best athletes there to keep their prestige as the world's best race, but they scream bloody murder when some of those athletes turn out to be cheats.

[Six]

How surprising is this?

"Doping expert levels charges against Contador
A leading German expert in the fight against doping claimed Monday to have evidence indicating that Tour de France winner Alberto Contador had used drugs.

Twenty-four hours after the Spaniard donned the winner's yellow jersey on the Champs Élysées the expert, Werner Franke, described the 24-year-old's victory as "the greatest swindle in sporting history."

Franke bases his claim on documents he says are in his possession from the Spanish police's Operación Puerto inquiry into Eufemiano Fuentes, the doctor said to have masterminded doping programs for athletes. Contador was cleared last year by both Spanish investigators and the UCI.

"The name of this Mr Contador appears on several occasions on the court and police documents," Franke told German television station ZDF. "All of this has been simply concealed and hidden under the carpet whilst the name Contador was erased from the list of suspicious riders."

Franke claimed to have a detailed list of banned products used by Contador which appear in sworn statements following the raid on Fuentes' medical practice.

"He took insulin, HMG-Lepori, a hormone to stimulate the secretion of testosterone and also a product for asthma called TGN - in brief I have before my eyes a protocol for doping," he told ZDF.

"All of this has been covered up, at least in Spain," added Franke.

Contador, who inherited the lead in the Tour de France last week upon Michael Rasmussen's expulsion in a dispute over missed drug tests, denied he'd had any links with Fuentes' drugs program.

Speaking after Saturday's penultimate time-trial in Angouleme about why his name had been linked to Fuentes he told reporters: "I was in the wrong team at the wrong time and somehow my name got among the documents, but the UCI corrected the mistake and now I've got no link to Puerto."

Among the cyclists associated with Fuentes were Jan Ullrich, the former Tour de France winner and former Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso."

http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/13016.0.html

[Oldfart]

Tradition is a powerful thing in cycling, and tradition is that the stage into Paris is a parade for the GC guys and a last gallop for the sprinters. Even in the famous 1989 Tour where Greg Lemond won the final TT to take the overall by a mere 8 seconds, he was not challenged on the final stage to Paris. Nonetheless you can bet Disco will be keeping an eye on things and not letting Cadel go out for those time bonuses.

The final TT in 89 was the final stage in Paris. That was it. And it was one of THE most exiting races ever.

[ChunkyMonkey]

The final TT in 89 was the final stage in Paris. That was it. And it was one of THE most exiting races ever.
Agree with that. I remember watching that race. Unbelievable!

[wallyjames]

Oops, you're right, there was no Champs Elysee road stage that year, they rode from Versailles into the city itself.

[nouseforaname]

Anyone interested in this should check out Vroomens (Cervelo owner) blog, lots of extra info, not filtered through "news organisations"

Gerard Vroomens blog (http://www.cervelo.com/blogs.aspx?id=gv)
Also a pretty good read regardless.