The Tour de France watershed Spoiler thread

[Basil]

Crikey, another one for Cav.

Gosh.  That kid is nearly as quick as me!

And almost as young! 

 

[David Martin]

Crikey, another one for Cav.

Aye, the lad's got some speed

No, not that sort..

I liked the shot of hincapie, Eisel et al celebrating as they crossed the line after the main pack, having worked like crazy to get Cav over the bumps and bring back the break..

Fantastic teamwork  -  and if cav can get over the alps and pyrennees, he could be a good bet for the win on teh champs elysee..

..d

[gonzo]

Fantastic teamwork  -  and if cav can get over the alps and pyrennees, he could be a good bet for the win on teh champs elysee..

And assuming he doesn't leave early for preparation for the olympics.

He's up to 86 points (33 behind the leader) now for the green jersey... what's the chance he'll end up in green en Paris?

[andygates]

He's said he wants to finish.

That teamwork though - did you spot how his teammates peeled off on the kilo markers?  One at four, one at three, and it went scrappy at two.  Textbook train, lovely to watch!

[richie_b]

Fantastic teamwork  -  and if cav can get over the alps and pyrennees, he could be a good bet for the win on teh champs elysee..

And assuming he doesn't leave early for preparation for the olympics.

He's up to 86 points (33 behind the leader) now for the green jersey... what's the chance he'll end up in green en Paris?

Very little, unfortunately.  He's said himself that he's not strong enough to sprint for the intermediate's & this year's route doesn't really suit him anyway.  Add to that the the leader at the moment (Kirchen) is on the same team & the course suits him better...
Cav is almost certain to be a green jersey wearer of the future but

[JT]

Back in our hotel after seeing Cav trounce everyone in the sprint.

He was last man back to the team bus - even after Kim Kirchen. - he was so in demand for interviews and well-wishers. We spoke to his fiancee at Cholet the other day and he intends to stay in the Tour as long as he feels OK and he really wants to complete it.

Crikey it was wet today. A local girl at the hotel told us this morning that if it does rain in Toulouse, it only lasts for 15 minutes - 15 hours would be more accurate.

[Terry]

What a finish eh, he demolished the others at the end. 

[andygates]

Did you see his grin as he went for it?  He was thrashing those handlebars like Animal on the drums, all grin and tongue sticking out!   

[MSeries]

So where's McEwan now ? crying in his beer. Way to go Cav.

[alchemy]

So where's McEwan now ?

Well, no-one in the Lotto team is allowed to help him as they're all working for Evans so  that's obviously having an impact. If he had some team-mates to lead him out then I expect that he'd be right up there.

Having said that, Cavendish's wins have been great to watch. He's certainly got good sprinting legs, and a bright future.

[andygates]

Cobralicious!  That lad is a beauty to watch and he's merciless...

[David Martin]

Cobralicious!  That lad is a beauty to watch and he's merciless...

Certainly is. The question is whether he went for it today because the others didn't want to chase and if he has put in too much effort ahead of the big day tomorrow.

Cav seemed to get through OK.  Still smiling at the end after 20k downhill recovery. I doubt he'll be smiling at the finish tomorrow.

As they say, tomorrow is another day. Cadel to limit losses (but to lose time.)  Kirchen to drop off the top. Valverde in Yellow, or even periero?

CSC to make a big move? Which Schleck will it be? or even Sastre?

Millar to stick with the front group over Tourmalet, then to drop time climbing Hautacam when the big attacks go (or to ride pace for Vandervelde) . (frees him up to go for stage wins later if he is no longer a GC contender).

..d

[andygates]

My money's on the CSC machine launching Valverde off up the final climb inna Lance stylee, unless some heroes go on Huatacam and manage to stay away.  Someone is going to try that, for sure.

[David Martin]

My money's on the CSC machine launching Valverde off up the final climb inna Lance stylee, unless some heroes go on Huatacam and manage to stay away.  Someone is going to try that, for sure.

Hautacam will turn into a big mountain time trial. Uphill at 10%. Ouch.

Cadel will be sore today.

..d

[Frenchie]

Well the cobra well and truly struck yesterday; what a series of attacks on his way to victory as he bridged the gaps and passed the then leaders. I enjoyed that!

Bastille day today!

[andygates]

Don't the French riders normally go a bit, well, mental on Bastille Day? 

Should be a good 'un.

[Frenchie]

Don't the French riders normally go a bit, well, mental on Bastille Day? 

They've been quite visible so far this year; but, yes, on Bastille day they have to "wet the jersey". Watch the French champion in particular.

[Mr Larrington]

Well the cobra well and truly struck yesterday; what a series of attacks on his way to victory as he bridged the gaps and passed the then leaders. I enjoyed that!

Yer, not many.  The look on poor Sebastian Lang's chops when Ricco went past him - you couldn't help but feel sory for him.

[Frenchie]

Well the cobra well and truly struck yesterday; what a series of attacks on his way to victory as he bridged the gaps and passed the then leaders. I enjoyed that!

Yer, not many.  The look on poor Sebastian Lang's chops when Ricco went past him - you couldn't help but feel sory for him.

Two. But they counted! Ricco was on the flat where they were all climbing it seemed!

[Dinamo]

As they start the climb of thr Tourmalet - how about predications for todays stage winner ?

I'll go for - Oscar Pereiro of Caisse d'Epargne

[gonzo]

Ricco again I reckon.

He'll be in with a shot for overall, but screw up on a stage.

[Gus]

Cunego and Valverde can't follow the leaders 

[ChrisO]

Come on Caisse d'Epargne - let Pereiro drop Valverde on the Hautacam.

[gonzo]

They reckon that Menchov'll do well today

He's the person I really hope wins this year!

[Gus]

I like the fact that Freire was 7th over Tourmalet, He must be riding for green in Paris.