Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) and Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) have both been disqualified from the intermediate sprint on stage 3 of the Tour de France after making contact in the mid-race points classification battle.
Cavendish had crossed the line in sixth, leading the bunch over the line behind a break of five riders. However, the race commissars deemed both his and Hushovd’s actions inappropriate.
Just discovered Thor & I have been disqualified from the intermediate sprint today. Seriously no idea why?!
Just heard that Thor's offered to take the punishment solely. What a true gentleman. I reckon it won't change fuck-all though. But thank you
Perhaps Feillu should have been docked his points.......
...........sorry I forgot he's FRENCH :facepalm:
When the commie was interviewed, he implied they would have dq'd Thor only if Cav hadn't reacted. But seeing as he did, they decided to dq him too.
He could have been talking out of his arse though...
Perhaps Feillu should have been docked his points.......
...........sorry I forgot he's FRENCH :facepalm:
Nice one Thor !
The TDF web site is rubbish. No race analysis or news of the penalties or why they were given at all.
Thor Hushovd!
An absolutely sensational ride.
Thor Hushovd!
An absolutely sensational ride.
What a nasty uphill drag at the end. Christian Prudhomme must have been killing himself laughing when he came up with that one. An inspired choice of finish.
Lovely comment from Harmon just now:
"They're not the quickest calculators, the Schlecks."
;D
d.
But where was Andy Schleck?????
"To judge by the army handbook of 1884, it is fortunate that most road building was left to civil engineers:
Gradient on which troops can still march in good order: 25 per cent;
Gradient manageable by mounted horses and light carriages: 33 per cent;
Gradient manageable by mules: 50 per cent;
Escarpment that an infantryman can still cross by using his hands: 100 per cent (completely vertical)"Quote
Just like every Military Handbook ever published- written by someone who wasn't the Infantryman who had to march the graident in good order ::-)
Was it wrong to enjoy Contador's air punch as he crossed the line?
Was it wrong to enjoy Contador's air punch as he crossed the line?
No. Especially after seeing the phot finish;D
Jury decisions
* Vacansoleil sport director Hilaire Vander Schueren, fined 200CHF for an infraction “concerning the circulation of the vehicle”
* John Gadret (Ag2r), fined 100CHF for “peeing in public”
* Cofidis sport director Didier Rous fined 200CHF for “comportement incorrect” from the team car
* Matteo Tosatto (Saxo Bank-Sungard), Insausti Izagirre (Euskaltel-Euskadi), José Gutierrez (Movistar), John Gadret (Ag2r) – all fined 30CHF each for “bidden collé” – sticky water bottles – for taking pulls from team cars
* Sport directors Brad McGee (Saxo Bank-Sungard), Gorka Gerrikagoitita (Euskaltel), Yvon Ledanois (Movistar) and Vincent Lavenu (Ag2r) – all fined 50CHF each for above infraction
* John Gadret (Ag2r), fined 100CHF for “peeing in public”which would seem a little unfair. Presumably it was blatant.
I've done it loads of times on audaxes, but never been fined.
Thor Hushovd!
An absolutely sensational ride.
Hell yes.
Mustn't underestimate Evans's work with mechanicals and having to gnaw up the peloton, nor the delightful sight of Contador in pain (not as a gloat: as a sign that he's not full of horse testicles).
More from the hot Thor/Cav bromance tomorrow...
Yep, that was a great interview by Cav after today's stage. Intelligent, funny, informative. Great to see him looking so happy.Yup. He's always good value.
d.
Yep, that was a great interview by Cav after today's stage. Intelligent, funny, informative. Great to see him looking so happy.
d.
Got to love Cav "it was proper 'ard that was" :)That's the first post stage interview that I can remember where he looked dead eyed and washed out.
Got to love Cav "it was proper 'ard that was" :)That's the first post stage interview that I can remember where he looked dead eyed and washed out.
Wiggins is out!!
10km to go and they're 1'40" behind, they should easily catch up with the peloton.
10km to go and they're 1'40" behind, they should easily catch up with the peloton.
Fwiw, Sean Kelly disagrees with you.
Wiggins is out!!
Listening to GT's & EBH's interviews, it seemed they were both in front of the crash. Is it natural reaction to wait and see who is down and possibly hurt, or was there a team instruction to wait? If the latter and considering the time both riders lost on GC, particularly the white jersey, was it a poor tactical decision for both these riders to wait.
Indeed, my mental arithmetic was bollocks.
Listening to GT's & EBH's interviews, it seemed they were both in front of the crash. Is it natural reaction to wait and see who is down and possibly hurt, or was there a team instruction to wait? If the latter and considering the time both riders lost on GC, particularly the white jersey, was it a poor tactical decision for both these riders to wait.
I was thinking that too. You don't need a whole team to pace someone back to the bunch.
Then again, neither EBH or GT would trouble the GC come the high mountains so maybe now they've lost some time they'll be allowed up the road on a break?
Cav seemed genuinely 'gutted' when he heard about Wiggins' accident and retiral. Chapeau Cav.+1 to that.
Anyone seen an explanation of what actually happened ? It looked like it was on a straight bit of dry road. Why the huge pile up ?
This article seems to raise a relevant point. Apparently Horner finished yesterday so concussed that he didn't have any recollection of his crash or why he was behind the peloton. And Boonen had been continuing, under the encouragement of his DS, despite suffering from headaches and vomiting for 2 days since his crash, and even after other riders have complained that he was proving a danger to those around him. How come the Tour doctor hasn't stepped in ?
Pro Cycling Plagued By Head Injuries | Cyclingnews.com (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pro-cycling-plagued-by-head-injuries)
I saw a clip of Chris Horner crossing the line to be greeted by his soigneur. Truly frightening!
Anybody else notice that David Millar is almost invisible despite being very high up in the GC all week?
Not sure about Contador yet. I agree that he doesn't look too good at the momoent, but wonder if the last few stages were better for the more powerfull classic riders rather than good climbers.
I think the UCI should insist all riders get morphine or whatever it was that Braders was on before they are allowed to give an interview ;D
Big crash again :Vino ended in the woods and is out, so is Van Den Broeck. :(
Femur and pelvis. Ouch ouch ouch!!!
d.
Flecha has been run over by a TV car, sending Hoogerland flying over a fence. Flecha is back on the bike though, bloodied and torn.
They both fell very hard, particularly Hoogerland.
:o
The French TV car just took out the lead riders in the breakaway.
Hoogerland has 33 stitches, 11 in his buttocks, 11 near his knee, and 11 in his calf.
The stitches in his knee are very close to a tendon. He hopes these stitches will not cause him to DNS in the next stage.
His pants were completely ripped off. Maybe that's the reason there was no TV coverage of him getting out of the barbed wire.
His pants were completely ripped off. Maybe that's the reason there was no TV coverage of him getting out of the barbed wire.
His pants were completely ripped off. Maybe that's the reason there was no TV coverage of him getting out of the barbed wire.
A not very nice picture, but shows his injuries. Ouch
Tour De France 2011: Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil-DCM) Extracts Himself From..., Photos | Cyclingnews.com (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/stage-9/photos/181772)
I'm astonished that Vino wasn't brought up out of the trees on a back board.
Why arnt they talking about prosecuting the driver ,never mind sending him home??
How much faster are they going, compared to say 30 years ago?
Why arnt they talking about prosecuting the driver ,never mind sending him home??
The Vacansoleil team director is considering this. They will investigate their options tomorrow.
To lighten the mood a little...
It would seem that Sergei the Meerkat is a member of the Lampre Tifosi. If you can bear to watch the advert look at his tie...
When overtaking a cyclist goes wrong, choosing between the tree and the cyclists, should be a no brainer for the driver, tree every time. Particularly when filming a cycle race. However it never seems to happen that way.
It was incompetent driving but, if he'd chosen the tree, I would have expected more injuries as the car spun into the road causing everyone behind to choose quickly between stationary car, trees & cyclists.
The riders got lucky and the driver got lucky this time, it could have been a lot more serious.
I did wonder what that car was doing, though. Why did it need even to be mixed up in the riders ?
Isn't a media care the TdFs equivalent of a box at Man United. You can put your friends / business clients in it as a treat.
From the youtube the car doesn't look to be in danger of even clipping a wing mirror on the tree and misses the bank quite easily.
Jurgen Van Den Broeck will stay in intensive care for two or three days as he recovers from his injuries after crashing out on a descent during Sunday’s ninth stage to Saint Flour.
The Omega Pharma-Lotto team leader fractured three ribs, his shoulder blade and also suffered from a collapsed lung. He initially tried to continue in the race...
Isn't a media car the TdFs equivalent of a box at Man United. You can put your friends / business clients in it as a treat.
The road.cc article mentions a rumour that the car contained VIPs hoping to get closer to the action.
With all the drama of the crashes I'd forgotten about the possibility of one of these:
Kolobnev Tour De France's First Doping Case | Cyclingnews.com (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kolobnev-tour-de-frances-first-doping-case)
According to Carlton Kirby's tweets earlier today French TV didn't even show the incident on their highlights programme last night. Perhaps they were hoping that the audience wouldn't notice the break suddenly diminishing from 5 to 3. Incroyable.
Contains Hoogerarse:(click to show/hide)
Stupid comment of the year goes to Andre Greipel. To me: "why the fuck you drop the wheel in front on the climb?" #nowweknowwhostartstheshit 18 June 2011
Two options. Mr Wiggins is either still doped to the eyeballs and is therefore being very 'nice' with his Twittering OR Cav is preparing to move to Sky and Brad knows it. Last night some of Brad's tweets were complimentary towards Cav.
Two options. Mr Wiggins is either still doped to the eyeballs and is therefore being very 'nice' with his Twittering OR Cav is preparing to move to Sky and Brad knows it. Last night some of Brad's tweets were complimentary towards Cav.
Word is that Cav will ride for Sky next year. We face the tantalising prospect of both yellow and green jerseys both being won by Uk riders...
I thought Millar's move yesterday was intriguing as well. Another apparent lead out? I don't think he was hoping for the win and he didn't seem to have anyone other than Cav that would benefit.
It is interesting to note Cav's sprinting grimace shows signs of greater exertion than before.
Millar, I think, was saying that everybody wants to be at the front this year, which is why there have been so many crashes. Perhaps that is a result of the race being open.
Yesterday:Quote from: David Millar on TwitterAbout 10km into race we had first big crash. Big wide straight road, smooth surface, DRY, and UPHILL. Still we crash. Embarassing now.
So, chances of Cav in green tonight? Can't see Cav getting it wrong two days running, so I'm putting my mortgage on the stage win for him. Whether he gets enough points to overtake Gilbert largely depends on how Gilbert places, I guess.
Paris could yet end up being decisive... ooh!
d.
Gilbert looks to me like he's fading.I don't think he's fading - yet - he's just not really an all-out sprinter. And it doesn't help when Greipel takes some of his intermediate sprint points from him.
d.
I don't think he's fading - yet - he's just not really an all-out sprinter. And it doesn't help when Greipel takes some of his intermediate sprint points from him.
I don't think anyone would like to put serious money on a winner of any of the 4 jersey competitions!Andy Schleck is in a very strong position. He's never been seen in the thick of the action, but to be <2mins down on the yellow jersey, he's kept well up the field, out of trouble and presumably biding his time for an attack in the really tough mountain stages. Contador seems tired. Had a few crashes, maybe because of tiredness, or is he just really unlucky?
Schleck's riding a good tour. He's not put himself up to be attacked, yet he's still within reach. He still needs to time it carefully...
I don't think he's fading - yet - he's just not really an all-out sprinter. And it doesn't help when Greipel takes some of his intermediate sprint points from him.
I wonder whether there is actually a greater chance of Frank winning this thing (as a dark horse due to his brother) than many of the team leaders who are still in with a shout.
I'm sure he was. It just didn't work out too well.I don't think he's fading - yet - he's just not really an all-out sprinter. And it doesn't help when Greipel takes some of his intermediate sprint points from him.
I thought Greipel was trying to lead him out rather than take the points off him.
It just didn't work out too well.
Perhaps the day's biggest hero was Pierre Rolland, who shepherded Tommy to the summit at Luz-Ardiden. The spotlight is obviously on the GC contenders, but the work done by riders like Rolland, the imperious Jens Voigt, Sylvester Szmyd and a host of other domestiques is immeasurable.
As for Jens... it sickens me that he's older than me and still riding like that. ;D
I think we saw yesterday how much the HTC guys had killed themselves for Cav over the preceding few days. Vellits and Martin must be wondering if they did the right thing. And it once more begs the question, is a move to a team with even bigger GC ambitions such as Sky really such a good idea for Cav ?
Is a move to a team with even bigger GC ambitions such as Sky really such a good idea for Cav ?
- remember Sky is owned by British Cycling.
But perhaps Sky may have different ambitions for next year?
- remember Sky is owned by British Cycling.
I didn't know that
Woolly won today :thumbsup:
Woolly won today :thumbsup:I'm Danish not a mountain monkey !
Woolly won today :thumbsup:I'm Danish not a mountain monkey !
Woolly won today :thumbsup:I'm Danish not a mountain monkey !
- remember Sky is owned by British Cycling.
I didn't know that
Well Norway was under Danish rule for many years and the first king of a fully independent Norway in 586 years when they got independence from Sweden in 1905 was a Danish Prince. So yes we are not much far from each others us Scandinavians :)Woolly won today :thumbsup:I'm Danish not a mountain monkey !
I'm not au fait with the nationalistic pride of Viking land.The fact is that he reminds me of you each time i see him.You could be related ;D
Woolly won today :thumbsup:
;D ;D He really deserves that jersey :thumbsup:
It's when the team car hands out a bottle but doesn't let go, thus giving the cyclist a free ride
I'm starting to wonder about Thomas Voeckler. Very in form. If everyone else keeps cancelling each other out he stands a chance. He didn't look to be in any trouble today. The time trial might be his undoing though.
I'm starting to wonder about Thomas Voeckler. Very in form. If everyone else keeps cancelling each other out he stands a chance. He didn't look to be in any trouble today. The time trial might be his undoing though.
I'm inclined to agree, though it now looks like the GC contenders are waiting for the Thursday and Friday's stages to go for the sort-out. Nothing will happen tomorrow apart from some maillot vert action; the stages to Gap and Pinerolo are downhill finishes so they are more likely to be breakaway days. Mind you, the final climbs on those stages do offer an attacking opportunity to a GC rider with sufficient descending madskilz to maintain any gap gained down to the finish.
Having said all that, they could be daft enough to leave it to the time trial...
Apparently Voeckler is very unpopular amongst the peleton
I'm starting to wonder about Thomas Voeckler. Very in form. If everyone else keeps cancelling each other out he stands a chance. He didn't look to be in any trouble today. The time trial might be his undoing though.Plus 1 I reckon he has a good chance, the others are so busy watching each other they are not putting time in to him just relying on him to suddenly crack, well if he doesn't it will be too late :)
Having said all that, they could be daft enough to leave it to the time trial...
Apparently Voeckler is very unpopular amongst the peleton
Interesting. Why ?
That was exciting! And Evans attacked! Almost. I will have to eat my hat...
Someone else noticed Andy checking over his shoulder for frank repeatedly too. Andy could have blown away the competition today, but didn't want to drop his brother when frank was not having a good day. We might just see a schleck one two for yellow.
Someone else noticed Andy checking over his shoulder for frank repeatedly too. Andy could have blown away the competition today, but didn't want to drop his brother when frank was not having a good day. We might just see a schleck one two for yellow.
If either Schleck wants the win badly enough, they're going to have to sacrifice the other's bid.
If we assume that the GC situation doesn't change over the next three stages, one of the GC contender teams has to take the initiative and crank up the pace on the Col d'Izoard to a level that Europcar aren't comfortable with. Then on the Col du Lautaret, Andy needs to stop worrying about his brother having un jour sans and just go for it.
That's what's disappointing - the Schlecks *have* tried to attack, but so far, their combined efforts haven't been enough to make Cadel so much as break sweat
Femur and pelvis. Ouch ouch ouch!!!
d.
That'll be his last pro ride
Will Cav really go to Sky if HTC fold? I think it would be a big mistake as Sky are GC focused and won't be able to support both Yellow and Green ambitions adequately.
My suspicion is that GreenEdge may be the option for Cav - space to take lots of his favourite lead out riders and no big GC ambitions yet.
..d
long term or for a single (Olympic) season?
I think that Andy could have attacked yesterday, and done some damage to some of his rivals. The team, and the Schlecks, need to decide whether they want to win the race, or win the "most loyal to your brother" award - Contador seems to be getting better, and Evans has yet to be put under real pressure.I'd agree with that. They want a podium 1-2, but at the moment they look quite likely to get a 3-4.
Will Cav really go to Sky if HTC fold? I think it would be a big mistake as Sky are GC focused and won't be able to support both Yellow and Green ambitions adequately.
My suspicion is that GreenEdge may be the option for Cav - space to take lots of his favourite lead out riders and no big GC ambitions yet.
..d
He's definitely going to Team Sky - I've heard it straight from [redacted]. :-X ::-)
Team Sky's only current viable (British) contender for grand tours is Wiggins - they're not that GC-focused.
[Kim] Andersen said the three mountain stages unfolded as they expected, but admitted that the Schleck brothers didn’t have the legs they needed to make substantial gains on their top GC rivals.
“Alberto is not at his best, they are all equal. Maybe that’s normal after he does a hard Giro. Maybe he gets better in the Alps, we don’t know. I think it would be good if Alberto could attack, because we can go with him. We have a good gap with him,” Andersen said. “I don’t like to put a number on it – but we need more time on (Evans). He is the most dangerous one right now if nothing changes, but it will change. The Alps will decide everything in this Tour. Those big climbs will be hard for everyone.”
if Cav joins Sky, surely he'll want to bring Renshaw and Eisel with him?
When Frank broke, Cadel let him go and only chased when it started to look like a meaningful gap. Andy's 2 seconds yesterday aren't going to cause any loss of sleep in the BMC camp...
I'll stick my neck out and say I still think it's Cadel's to lose.
I watched it again this evening and Cuddles was far closer to the limit on that climb than Andy. The only reason that the bunch came back to Andy was that he sat up to see where everyone had got to.
... or the silly sod wanted to finish the stage holding hands with his brother. ::-)
Also, if Andy was capable of riding away from the group and didn't do it, then he must be mentally deficient, because I can't see that it would make any sense tactically to get the whole team riding hard at the front of the peloton all day and then not finish the job...
... or the silly sod wanted to finish the stage holding hands with his brother. ::-)
Also, if Andy was capable of riding away from the group and didn't do it, then he must be mentally deficient, because I can't see that it would make any sense tactically to get the whole team riding hard at the front of the peloton all day and then not finish the job...
Tons and tons of abandons on the Etape yesterday, apparently, due to hypothermia. Let's hope the weather improves for the racers.
... or the silly sod wanted to finish the stage holding hands with his brother. ::-)
Andy explains his strategy in a post stage 14 interview:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/flecha-wont-be-surprised-if-voeckler-wins-tour-de-france
Got to say, I noticed Voeckler accelerate immediately after the crash, and it is undoubtedly true that he exploited the crash to get himself in yellow.
He has done well to keep hold of it, regardless
So what was Voeckler supposed to do? The only circumstances where I can imagine any rider stopping in that situation is if it were a team-mate who'd been involved in the crash.Agreed.
Did any of the riders who capitalised on the crash on day one stop to check Contador was OK?
d.
I was not impressed by Schleck (A) whinging about the design of the course.
Roads sometimes go downhill, Andy. And sometimes it rains. Especially in mountains.
I'm pretty sure that Riis was smiling all the way home today, he knows the weaknesses of the Schleck brothers
and used that today, they can not decend.
I am looking forward to tomorrows stage, the 8 km down to the finish are said to be worse than the one today (steeper, curvy and wet spots)
according to Rolf sørensen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolf_S%C3%B8rensen). He rides the last 20-30km of each stage the same morning and reports + rides all the Cols and decends before the TdF.
How did he exploit the crash? He was set on gaining time to get the yellow jersey, he might have gained more time had there been five riders in the breakaway rather than the three remaining. He did speak to his team car , I think they have tv's in the car so they would have been aware of the situation.
He ended up in yellow because of the crash.
How did he exploit the crash? He was set on gaining time to get the yellow jersey, he might have gained more time had there been five riders in the breakaway rather than the three remaining. He did speak to his team car , I think they have tv's in the car so they would have been aware of the situation.
He ended up in yellow because of the crash. Not the most sporting way to get a yellow jersey.
I also note that Contador looks a lot rougher on all the close up shots than in any other year. His baby face complexion is no longer present. His voice is not as high any more either. ???
Certainly looks cleaner, although Contador's rejuvenation after a rest day would have raised eyebrows a couple of years back. The old rest day blood bag trick. I'm not really interested in speculation about this stuff though, I'm just enjoying the show and hoping that the end result will be the end result.
I also note that Contador looks a lot rougher on all the close up shots than in any other year. His baby face complexion is no longer present. His voice is not as high any more either. ???
So you're saying that Bertie's finally out of puberty? ;D :demon: ;D
Moar bleating by the Brothers Grimm.
If you can't stand the heat.....
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jul/20/tour-de-france-2011-schleck-dangerous-descent
I think it is a captivating spectacle. Contador looks up for a fight now, and the Schlecks seem to have been found out. The next few days are going to be a right scrap.
Certainly looks cleaner, although Contador's rejuvenation after a rest day would have raised eyebrows a couple of years back. The old rest day blood bag trick. I'm not really interested in speculation about this stuff though, I'm just enjoying the show and hoping that the end result will be the end result.
Norway is claiming the top three places in yesterday's stage, however tenuously.
http://www.newsinenglish.no/2011/07/19/the-third-norwegian-cycling-hero/
The story at present is that the cold and wet weather is favouring bigger riders, who don't have to spend their time caped up. They'd usually be seen sweating at the back of the field, unable to repsond to the accelerations of the whippet-men. But the stick-thin boys can't risk a cold, the situation will change if the weather warms up.
Well done to EBH for a fantastic ride. I've probably said it before but that guy's a star. :thumbsup:
I still reckon that the schlecks are planning something! I've got the afternoons off tomorrow and Friday so I can find out just what they've got up their (aerodynamic) sleeves!
Samuel Sanchez:
He'll be joined at the hip to Contador through the Alps. Not sure what his time-trialling is like, a good bet for the podium, maybe not the overall,
I still reckon that the schlecks are planning something! I've got the afternoons off tomorrow and Friday so I can find out just what they've got up their (aerodynamic) sleeves!
Get over it, boys - you entered the race, so get on with it! Riding downhill is just as valid a skill as riding uphill or on the flat.
Today was epic. It's going to be a proper bunfight from now to Paris. Best tour for years IMHO.
Edvald Boasson Hagen looks like the real deal.
I warmed to him at the start of a Tour of Britain stage a couple of years ago, where he tolerated my old man giving him tips for the race. Not that my old man's tips are bad, but... ;D
I still reckon that the schlecks are planning something! I've got the afternoons off tomorrow and Friday so I can find out just what they've got up their (aerodynamic) sleeves!
They'd better grow a pair each and learn how to ride downhill first.
Today they're both whinging about the course.
Get over it, boys - you entered the race, so get on with it! Riding downhill is just as valid a skill as riding uphill or on the flat.
All Cuddles, Voeckler and Bertie the Beefeater need to do to beat them is to get away on the descents.
You've got to remember that descents can be properly, life-threateningly dangerous, not just a way of losing time.
There's got to be a line that defines when a descent's too dangerous. Is a single track, windy road it? How about if it was wet? Vertical drop offs? Packs of bears patrolling the roads?
I do wonder if the organisers have added to the danger in the name of entertainment.
Get over it, boys - you entered the race, so get on with it! Riding downhill is just as valid a skill as riding uphill or on the flat.
You've got to remember that descents can be properly, life-threateningly dangerous, not just a way of losing time.
There's got to be a line that defines when a descent's too dangerous. Is a single track, windy road it? How about if it was wet? Vertical drop offs? Packs of bears patrolling the roads?
I do wonder if the organisers have added to the danger in the name of entertainment.
A Tour winner should be a well-rounded rider, outstanding in some aspects and at least competent in the rest. Descending is a skill and only having mountaintop finishes doesn't allow skilful descenders to make the most of their abilities. I'm glad the TdF organisers have finally put together a well-rounded Tour after years of one-dimensional courses.
I do wonder if the organisers have added to the danger in the name of entertainment.
A Tour winner should be a well-rounded rider, outstanding in some aspects and at least competent in the rest. Descending is a skill and only having mountaintop finishes doesn't allow skilful descenders to make the most of their abilities. I'm glad the TdF organisers have finally put together a well-rounded Tour after years of one-dimensional courses.
I'm not disagreeing, but where do you draw the line with regards to dangerous descents for the sake of entertainment? I say this because the commentary today didn't go 5 minutes without mentioning how dangerous the descent was ad that was two different lots of commentators. 5 live sounded properly concerned for the safety of the riders.
Riders will take risks that are too great to win anyhow, you only have to look at the riders who died in their sleep after EPO usage.
Again, let's not forget that there's already been one fatality this year on a descent.
Edvald Boasson Hagen looks like the real deal.
I'm not saying these descents are dangerous. What I'm wondering is where you draw the line?
Any descent is only as dangerous as you are willing to make it.
I'm not saying these descents are dangerous. What I'm wondering is where you draw the line?
Get over it, boys - you entered the race, so get on with it! Riding downhill is just as valid a skill as riding uphill or on the flat.
You've got to remember that descents can be properly, life-threateningly dangerous, not just a way of losing time.
There's got to be a line that defines when a descent's too dangerous. Is a single track, windy road it? How about if it was wet? Vertical drop offs? Packs of bears patrolling the roads?
I do wonder if the organisers have added to the danger in the name of entertainment.
What DM and LW&B said ^^.
Sorry, if you can't ride fast down a dangerous, twisty, narrow descent, then cycle racing is not a wise career choice. Stick to touring (if you can find companions patient enough to wait for you).
You can always slow down and lose the race, if you think it's too dangerous.
Are there any more extensive online highlights than what is on offer on ITV4? Some of the stage highlights seem to last just a few minutes and I can no sense of how the stage went at all.
I say this because the commentary today didn't go 5 minutes without mentioning how dangerous the descent was ad that was two different lots of commentators. 5 live sounded properly concerned for the safety of the riders.
You've got to remember that descents can be properly, life-threateningly dangerous, not just a way of losing time.
You've got to remember that descents can be properly, life-threateningly dangerous, not just a way of losing time.
Racing involves danger and crashing. Tightly packed pelotons, overlapping wheels in gusty crosswinds, bunch sprints and, yes, descending. If competitors want perfect safety, cycling is the wrong choice.
<snip>
A well-designed stage race allows every talent to be displayed, not just flatlander and anti-gravity skills.
I say this because the commentary today didn't go 5 minutes without mentioning how dangerous the descent was ad that was two different lots of commentators. 5 live sounded properly concerned for the safety of the riders.
You could tell how difficult it was by the way the motorbikes were struggling to keep up - it looked absolutely terrifying ! The cameramen deserve medals for the footage they got yesterday.
Samuel Sanchez:
He'll be joined at the hip to Contador through the Alps. Not sure what his time-trialling is like, a good bet for the podium, maybe not the overall,
What I find really interesting is the way Sanchez and Contador have formed an alliance. Presumably Sanchez thinks it improves his own chances of a podium spot.
Sanchez's time-trialling isn't too bad - considerably better than either of the Schlecks. (He won the time trial in the 2007 Vuelta (http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2007/vuelta07/?id=results/vuelta0720) - beat Cadel by 19 seconds over the 20km course, apparently.)
d.
Nobody looks good whinging about a route they've known for a year.
*OK, I suppose sprinting will always have a large element of nerve vs skill.
Clarification Request:Nobody looks good whinging about a route they've known for a year.
Quite. I understand EBH had actually been out to recce the route of yesterday's run-in well in advance. Good for him.
It makes you realise that when the top sprinters complain about rivals coming off their line, they do so for damn good reason. These riders know how to sprint safely.
Same goes for the downhill bits.
I want to do the main road descent from Sestriere...
Nobody looks good whinging about a route they've known for a year.
Quite. I understand EBH had actually been out to recce the route of yesterday's run-in well in advance. Good for him.Quote*OK, I suppose sprinting will always have a large element of nerve vs skill.
Unless you're in a sprint with Abdoujaparov, when it becomes a bit of a lottery...
There was a story in the local papers recently about a man who suffered serious head injuries after coming off his bike in a race that was part of a "fun day out" organised by his employer. He tried to sue his employer for not carrying out adequate risk assessment (the angle was lack of recommendation to wear a helmet, but let's not go there) but was rejected on the grounds that he'd caused the crash himself by deliberately riding in front of a rival.
It makes you realise that when the top sprinters complain about rivals coming off their line, they do so for damn good reason. These riders know how to sprint safely and probably take far fewer risks than amateurs on fun days out organised by their employer.
d.
In this case the employers raised the cyclist coming off line as a contributory negligence factor. ... The employers were found to be one third at fault for allowing him to take part without a helmet.
Clarification Request:Nobody looks good whinging about a route they've known for a year.
Quite. I understand EBH had actually been out to recce the route of yesterday's run-in well in advance. Good for him.
I'm sure Halfords Boy mentioned someone else doing a recce - think it was a GC contender - was it one of the Schlecks?
In this case the employers raised the cyclist coming off line as a contributory negligence factor. ... The employers were found to be one third at fault for allowing him to take part without a helmet.
I really don't want to get sidetracked by that issue, but it's an absurd ruling - surely he was 100% at fault for riding like a fucking idiot? Things like this and Honest John's story really put me off taking part in mass-participation events with inexperienced cyclists.
The pros descending a mountain at >60mph are probably a lot safer than most of us would be on the same descent at 40mph.
d.
Are there any more extensive online highlights than what is on offer on ITV4? Some of the stage highlights seem to last just a few minutes and I can no sense of how the stage went at all.
Has Andy just cut his umbilical cord to Frank?
Take back what I said about the Schlecks, this is genius (if he pulls it off)
I'd love to see Frandy, Bertie and Evans explode, with Voeckler finishing in yellow.
Bertie's bluffing I reckon. He'll attack big time with 2k to go.I was wondering wtf Contador was going to do tomorrow, he must have been planning something big.
GC:
1) Schleck (A)
2) Evans
3) Schleck (F)
Anyhow, as I said:GC:
1) Schleck (A)
2) Evans
3) Schleck (F)
Also, if someone could find the bit where I predicted that the Schlecks would blow things up in the Alps I'd appreciate it for bragging rights ;)
PS. notice how Frank had an easy ride today whilst everyone else basically died. Expect Frank to win tomorrow!
I watched it again this evening and Cuddles was far closer to the limit on that climb than Andy. The only reason that the bunch came back to Andy was that he sat up to see where everyone had got to. If he has that form in the big climbs next week, I'm expecting to see him gain 1 or 2 minutes on the first big day of climbing.
... If Voeckler's still in yellow on Friday morning, it's going to have to get ugly on the way to the Alpe, and it's going to have get ugly early.
Cav finished outside the time limit, but so did lots of others. If it's more that 20% of the field (I think about 50% are outside the limit), the jury can keep them in.
Rojas finished inside the limit, so he won't be best pleased if Cav is allowed to continue.
edit: the grupetto is safe, and Cav stays in green but loses 20 points
Cav finished outside the time limit, but so did lots of others. If it's more that 20% of the field (I think about 50% are outside the limit), the jury can keep them in.
Rojas finished inside the limit, so he won't be best pleased if Cav is allowed to continue.
edit: the grupetto is safe, and Cav stays in green but loses 20 points
I presume it's 20 points on offer at the top of the Alpe d'Huez, so if >20% are hors delais tomorrow, Cav drops to 5 points* behind Rojas, but should be confident of retaking the green jersey on the Champs Elysee on Sunday.
* I'm banking on the peloton being blown apart well before the intermediate sprint at Bourg d'Oisans, and neither Rojas nor Gilbert picking any points there.
From Cycingnews - The grupetto made it to the finish line within the time limit. Green jersey Mark Cavendish of HTC-Highroad was behind that group, and actually finished outside the time limit. The race jury allowed him to stay in the race but deducted 20 points from his total. He now leads Movistar's Joaquin Jose Rojas by only 15 points.
EDIT - Everyone that finished outside the time limit had 20 points deducted so there are now nearly 50 riders with totals ranging from -1 to -20 in the points competition.
Mark Cavendish of HTC-Highroad was behind that group, and actually finished outside the time limit.
Do you know who else was outside the limit?
Do you know who else was outside the limit?
81 Arthur Vichot (Fra) FDJ 0:35:40
82 Mickaël Delage (Fra) FDJ
83 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) HTC-Highroad
84 Linus <snip>Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
167 Laurent Mangel (Fra) Saur - Sojasun
168 Marcel Sieberg (Ger) Omega Pharma-Lotto
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: gonzo
« on: Today at 05:32:04 PM[
I wonder how much time Vockler would have if the TV car hadn't taken out two of his breakaway companions?
The more I think about this, the more I think that the taking out of Flecher and Hoogerland possibly robbed Voeckler of a chance of winning this tour. Both of them are riders who would have ridden their socks off in that break, but the result of the incident was that Voeckler was left with two riders whose contribution to the break was minimal.
I doubt it. By the time the accident happened it was clear that they would stay away from the peloton. The only one that would benefit from making the gap as big as possible was Voeckler. Both Flecha and Hoogerland would've kept their work to a minimum, to be able to run off or win the sprint.
Of course having Voeckler as the caretaker of the yellow has served a purpose for the other contenders, but they'll be wanting it back now.
Chapeau to Evans, he limited his potential loss, and probably finished off Contador and Sanchez. :thumbsup:
Voeckler's still in yellow and neither Schleck has enough of a cushion over Evans yet.
I was impressed that Evans did not panic. He just stuck to his plan and then rode it his way. He gradually clawed back some time but hopefully not killing his legs in the process. Respect to Mr Evans.
I think today could be a bigger challenge for Cav than yesterday. It'll be another struggle to make the time limit.
Even if he finishes in a big group outside the time limit, the 20% rule only gives the jury the discretion to give the hors delais riders another chance. They are not obliged to and they might just be tempted to exclude them for finishing outside the cut, especially as it would be the second day in a row. Probably not if it was 50% of the field like yesterday, but if it's 'only' 20% ...
20% rule etc (http://twitpic.com/5tk0yi) from inrng
Andrew Schelck's attack yesterday was incredible. Reminded me of Floyd Landis. ;)
@carltonreid (http://twitter.com/#!/carltonreid/status/94080978292703232) If Landis was on a "goddamn Harley" on stage 17 of the TdF in 2006, what motorbike was A Schleck on today, Mr Pound?
Voekler was obviously just hanging on and I can't see him being able to do it again athough I'd love to be proved wrong.
Hypothetically, if the winner of a stage like yesterday's was later found to be doping, since the cut-off time is based on the winner's finishing time, would the riders who finished after the cut-off time have a case for having their points reinstated?
d.
Morally or legally?
Ideally, the cut-off time should take into account the difficulty of the stage. It's obviously not working properly when over half the field is outside the cutoff.
Hopefully Cav will make it today (the stage is considerably shorter than yesterday) and not be affected by it all come Paris...
Hypothetically, if the winner of a stage like yesterday's was later found to be doping, since the cut-off time is based on the winner's finishing time, would the riders who finished after the cut-off time have a case for having their points reinstated?
d.
Morally or legally?
Ideally, the cut-off time should take into account the difficulty of the stage. It's obviously not working properly when over half the field is outside the cutoff.
A shorter stage means the leaders will be riding faster, right? And since the cutoff time is still based on the same percentage of the winner's time, it may well be even harder to finish inside the limit today...
Ideally, the cut-off time should take into account the difficulty of the stage. It's obviously not working properly when over half the field is outside the cutoff.
Frank to win today.
Frank to win today.
i.e. Unless Clentador is an even better sandbagger than Schlandy.
The percentage today is more relaxed than yesterday. For a 30kph average speed by the stage winner, yesterday's cut-off would have been winner's time + 6%. For the same speed today, it would be winner's time plus 9%. I think they'll need it.
"If he stays in yellow today, I'll show my arse in Woolies window"
Andrew Schelck's attack yesterday was incredible. Reminded me of Floyd Landis. ;)
I think today could be a bigger challenge for Cav than yesterday. It'll be another struggle to make the time limit.
Hypothetically, if the winner of a stage like yesterday's was later found to be doping, since the cut-off time is based on the winner's finishing time, would the riders who finished after the cut-off time have a case for having their points reinstated?
d.
Morally or legally?
Ideally, the cut-off time should take into account the difficulty of the stage. It's obviously not working properly when over half the field is outside the cutoff.
Have any of today's papers used the headline "Six Mauled In Leopard Attack"?
If not, they should have.
After checking the race rules/regulations (linked above - thanks :thumbsup: ), the cutoff time is related to the stage difficulty and today's stage is classed as more difficult than yesterday so there's a longer cutoff.
Shorter ride, and two mountains rather than three? Sounds marginally less painful to me.
You lucky chap. I can only view the 'live' text version on the Eurosport website. It's in Contador and Sanchez's interest to work more closely together today, though I don't see them 'besting' the Schlecks.
This is astonishing. I'm going to have to get my work done quickly so I can give this my full attention.
d.
The Telegraph is perhaps too early
You can stick a fork in Contador, he was done yesterday.
... If Voeckler's still in yellow on Friday morning, it's going to have to get ugly on the way to the Alpe, and it's going to have get ugly early.
It's really kicked off :thumbsup:
there'll be no work done in jogler's office this afternoon ;D
It's really kicked off :thumbsup:
there'll be no work done in jogler's office this afternoon ;D
I suspect productivity nationwide has gone south today.
It's really kicked off :thumbsup:
there'll be no work done in jogler's office this afternoon ;D
I suspect productivity nationwide has gone south today.
to tell the truth I planned* today's "must do" stuff so that today would be a POET's day to allow the time to watch the best Tour I can remember.
*I was at my desk at 0600 this morning & the "must do" was done at 10 o'clock.ftw
Allez Cadel Allez
Wasn't it last year that most were bemoaning Contador for following an attack and not waiting for Schleck when his chain slipped - Just as mechanical trouble may have cost Schleck the tour last year, could mechanical trouble be Evan's downfall this year?
France 2 saying time limit is 25 mins 9 seconds and apparently Cav was 23 minutes behind at the bottom of Alpe d'Huez...
The fans on Alpe d'Huez seemed even more barking than usual.
France 2 saying time limit is 25 mins 9 seconds and apparently Cav was 23 minutes behind at the bottom of Alpe d'Huez...
Gilbert has made it, but he's too far behind in the points to worry about. No sign that Rojas has finished yet...
Cav and Rojas finished in a big group together, 17 seconds outside the time limit. Cav will arrive in Paris in green! Hurrah!(Assuming they don't throw the ~60 riders in that group out...)Edit: He's just been presented the green jersey.
d.
The fans on Alpe d'Huez seemed even more barking than usual.
Did you see the chap in medical get-up bothering Contador? He did not like that! ;D
d.
That was amazing. A proper bike race.
At last a Frenchman has won something. Sad that Voeckler cracked, though. What was that wobbly he was throwing just before the Galibier tunnel?
The fans on Alpe d'Huez seemed even more barking than usual.
Particularly nasty. These guys are trying to make a living when they're riding up the Alpe.
Particularly nasty. These guys are trying to make a living when they're riding up the Alpe.
Aye. It's funny up to a point, but it does make you think there ought to be stricter crowd control on the mountains.
Just hope it doesn't take an "incident" to make the organisers do something about it... Given how unpopular Contador is among certain sections of the crowd, it's amazing no one has tried anything on him already.
d.
I quite liked the comment that we should have this course every year!
I quite liked the comment that we should have this course every year!
It's not likely but I hope they do not re-introduce the prologue time trial.It's the lack of this feature which set the Tour up to be a race this year instead of a procession as in recent years
Cav and Rojas finished in a big group together, 17 seconds outside the time limit. Cav will arrive in Paris in green!
That was amazing. A proper bike race.+1
At last a Frenchman has won something. Sad that Voeckler cracked, though.
I recon Cuddles will do it but I'm rooting for ' Heart of a Lion' Tommy V to pull one out of the bag .
Nice story here about Bernard Eisel and David Millar helping one another on today's stage
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/video-eisel-talks-time-limits-at-lalpe-dhuez
So, what are the odds that the margin will be within 8 seconds?
Nice story here about Bernard Eisel and David Millar helping one another on today's stage
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/video-eisel-talks-time-limits-at-lalpe-dhuez
assuming no sprints tomorrow how many points are up for grabs on Sunday?
Dunno..kinda lost it for the Schlecks with their pathetic whining about the descents....but I'd rather have them than Evans.+1 for Andy, but did Frank whine, too?
Dunno..kinda lost it for the Schlecks with their pathetic whining about the descents....but I'd rather have them than Evans.+1 for Andy, but did Frank whine, too?
Have any of today's papers used the headline "Six Mauled In Leopard Attack"?
If not, they should have.
Dunno..kinda lost it for the Schlecks with their pathetic whining about the descents....but I'd rather have them than Evans.+1 for Andy, but did Frank whine, too?
Ach come on... Andy Schleck has set the Tour on fire these past two days. IMO Evans doesn't deserve the win, if he gets it (which I dont think he will)
Dunno..kinda lost it for the Schlecks with their pathetic whining about the descents....but I'd rather have them than Evans.+1 for Andy, but did Frank whine, too?
Yes.
Evans isn't that boring, he just doesn't have a kick - like Ullrich.
Ach come on... Andy Schleck has set the Tour on fire these past two days. IMO Evans doesn't deserve the win, if he gets it (which I dont think he will)
WE all know where Ullrich got his kick from - unlike Evans.
Dunno..kinda lost it for the Schlecks with their pathetic whining about the descents....but I'd rather have them than Evans.+1 for Andy, but did Frank whine, too?
Yes.
Evans isn't that boring, he just doesn't have a kick - like Ullrich.
WE all know where Ullrich got his kick from - unlike Evans.
WE all know where Ullrich got his kick from - unlike Evans.
I think he is comparing Evans to Ullrich...neither of them had a kick. Watching Evans this year is like watching Ullrich against Armstrong.
Okay, I know what you mean, I think. Paul S and Phil L were talking about his diesel engine and how he doesn't respond as well to fast changes to the speed of the peleton. Bradley Wiggins doesn't seem to have a kick either - but in my mind that doesn't make them bad or boring to watch. If anything it makes it more exciting as there is the 'will he or wont he' catch them question.
Okay, I know what you mean, I think. Paul S and Phil L were talking about his diesel engine and how he doesn't respond as well to fast changes to the speed of the peleton. Bradley Wiggins doesn't seem to have a kick either - but in my mind that doesn't make them bad or boring to watch. If anything it makes it more exciting as there is the 'will he or wont he' catch them question.
I am wearing my Cuddles t-shirt, just for luck.12 seconds to make up!!
2 seconds to make up!!
Cadel in virtual yellow
Just thinking. Tomorrow is a 'procession' into Paris, BUT if Cadel was, for instance, bitten by a rabbid dog or struck by a Leopard trek team car this evening and limped in tomorrow 30mins, down would they have to award it to Andy on time or would Cuddles get it even if he loses time?
I've always wondered what would happen if someone broke the "no attacks on the ride to Paris" understanding. A surprise breakaway could net a couple of extra minutes for someone.
A surprise breakaway could net a couple of extra minutes for someone.
BUT if Cadel was, for instance, bitten by a rabbid dog or struck by a Leopard trek team car this evening
Any GC contenders attack, riders from all other teams with GC interests band together and pull them back whilst telling them to stop being stupid and breaking the rules of cycling!
I was thinking that if Voeckler had managed to stay within a minute of the lead today the French riders might have been tempted to support him in a breakaway for the glory of France.
What a great tour it's been!
Just thinking. Tomorrow is a 'procession' into Paris, BUT if Cadel was, for instance, bitten by a rabbid dog or struck by a Leopard trek team car this evening and limped in tomorrow 30mins, down would they have to award it to Andy on time or would Cuddles get it even if he loses time?
If Evans fails to start or manages to faff around on the last lap, due to a mechanical ... then he'll not win the Tour.
The Tour ends tomorrow not today.
Even Contador comes out of this looking good. If he'd have destroyed his rivals he'd have been accused of all sorts. Once he knew he'd lost the GC he went all-out for a stage win in the terrain that he excels in - and failed. Now he just looks fallible and human.
we were routing for Evans to beat the tedious Schleck
we were routing for Evans to beat the tedious Schleck
Tedious Schleck? If it weren't for the brothers Schleck, this tour would not have been 1/2 as great as it was!
The drama of having to wait for so long till the final result was known was incredible
Even Contador comes out of this looking good. If he'd have destroyed his rivals he'd have been accused of all sorts. Once he knew he'd lost the GC he went all-out for a stage win in the terrain that he excels in - and failed. Now he just looks fallible and human.
The only mountain finish where one of them didn't put time into Evans was the last one! Andy was also responsible for, arguably, the greatest stage win in the last decade.we were routing for Evans to beat the tedious Schleck
Tedious Schleck? If it weren't for the brothers Schleck, this tour would not have been 1/2 as great as it was!
One attack from Andy and a lot of whinging from both of them, but a display of dogged determination from Evans and Voekler who, IMO, both rode a much more exciting race ;)
Andy was also responsible for, arguably, the greatest stage win in the last decade.
Andy was also responsible for, arguably, the greatest stage win in the last decade.
Andy was also responsible for, arguably, the greatest stage win in the last decade.
I'd agree with that - and if Evan's hadn't led the chase and towed the 'pack' along I think it may have been a race winning move by Andy Schleck
we were routing for Evans to beat the tedious Schleck
Tedious Schleck? If it weren't for the brothers Schleck, this tour would not have been 1/2 as great as it was!
One attack from Andy and a lot of whinging from both of them, but a display of dogged determination from Evans and Voekler who, IMO, both rode a much more exciting race ;)
OK this has been bugging me for a while now - why "Cuddles"?
OK this has been bugging me for a while now - why "Cuddles"?
I don't know but I assumed it was just because it sounds a bit like his name. What kind of a name is Cadel anyway? Never heard of anyone else with that name.
d.
Welsh, the Evans bit is a giveaway. His middle name is Lee, which is perhaps who he models his free and easy demeanour on.
OK this has been bugging me for a while now - why "Cuddles"?
RE. David Millar - which channel do you think he's got his eye on the commentary job for?
I noticed Thor and EBH were both wearing black armbands. It would have been nice if they'd been allowed to lead across the line on the first lap or something.
It is not done to attack the yellow jersey on the last day. Also, the course isn't really suitable for it.I think it's more about probabilities than etiquette. There have been attacks in the post-war ("modern") period, though I don't know if any succeeded.
Evans needed to finish within 1m36s of Andy today.
I googled it and the only thing I could come up with was that it's similar to how the French pronounce his name. Whatever the reason, it does kinda suit him.
Also, his great-grandfather was Welsh. Cadel may sound Welsh (especially with the addition of Evans), but my first language is Welsh and I've never heard of anybody else with that name - but there were a few kings many centuries ago with the name Cadell.
The phrase has been in more common use since Jack Lang, Premier of New South Wales, described his egalitarian policies as "cutting the heads off tall poppies" in 1931. "Mr. Lang made some of the tall poppies suffer who could be made to suffer."[5] "The tall poppies of the party had dragged Mr. Lang's name into the debate to cloud the issue."[6]
Australians argue, however, that they only cut down Tall Poppies that act in an arrogant or aloof manner. A person can have great talent or prowess and if they combine that with humility or self-deprecating humor they will not be cut down. This can be seen in the success of Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman, Ian Thorpe, and Steve Irwin. Australians do not begrudge success to those who do not act above themselves. It is the attitude not the success that determines the cultural reaction.
They weren't attacking EvansOh sure - but I think there's etiquette that the leader gets to drink bubbly with his team (and other nonsense) before the 'real' racing (i.e. for the stage win) starts.
why "Cuddles"?
Quotewhy "Cuddles"?
Sorry, I believe I started this. ::-)
In the 1980s, my team-mate Warwick Rowe had a younger brother called Cadel. That was his nickname!! ;D
Sigh, I'm missing it already. :(
Still, only 49 weeks to go before it starts again :thumbsup:
Sigh, I'm missing it already. :(
Still, only 49 weeks to go before it starts again :thumbsup:
I googled it and the only thing I could come up with was that it's similar to how the French pronounce his name. Whatever the reason, it does kinda suit him.Welsh names seem to be phonetic and the spelling varies with region and down to valleys.
Also, his great-grandfather was Welsh. Cadel may sound Welsh (especially with the addition of Evans), but my first language is Welsh and I've never heard of anybody else with that name - but there were a few kings many centuries ago with the name Cadell.
Another thought, in what other sport would you have to suffer so much just to win a stuffed toy ?
Some nice photos, including one of Contador lamping a prick
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/07/2011_tour_de_france_part_2.html#photo27
... except that Welsh "l" and "ll" are completely different phonemes ("ll" shared with Zulu and no other language ...)
... except that Welsh "l" and "ll" are completely different phonemes ("ll" shared with Zulu and no other language ...)
(Very OT) Not quite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_alveolar_lateral_fricative) (the 'no other language bit, not the "l" and "ll" distinction).
Another thought, in what other sport would you have to suffer so much just to win a stuffed toy ?
plus a lions share of the 493, 990 euros that BMC won
The podium girls have gone downhill since Julie Blanc back in 2009:
In the end, confidence was probably the difference. The whole race, Cadel Evans looked like he was riding to win the Tour, while the Schleck brothers looked like they were trying not to lose.
I think you are right on that one Rig,
I caught up with highlights of the TT last night. On the start ramp, Cadel was completely "In The Zone", a picture of concentration. Andy Schleck on the other hand was uncomfortable and fiddling with his new yellow gloves and looking around. As far away from The Zone as it is possible to get.
Another thought, in what other sport would you have to suffer so much just to win a stuffed toy ?
plus a lions share of the 493, 990 euros that BMC won
I think they share it equally among the team. The winner make his money later. That's what Phil and Paul always said back in the day anyway (when Channel 4 started showing the Tour).