Author Topic: TdeF 2016 (Contains spoilers) (Read 60211 times)

Riggers · « **Reply #25 on:** 04 July, 2016, 09:01:25 am »

I saw the last 10 minutes on ITV 4 yesterday evening. And that's all I've seen so far.

These chaps covered snippets of LaVuelta last year, and you can do the same for the TdF too:

http://www.steephill.tv/tour-de-france/

LEE · « **Reply #26 on:** 04 July, 2016, 10:06:47 am »

I'm still not sure how Contador escaped more serious injury.
Falling off at speed is one thing but sliding over a raised kerb at speed like that is almost guaranteed to break bone.

Kudos to these fellas for getting on a bike again.

OUCH!!!

Nuncio · « **Reply #27 on:** 04 July, 2016, 01:11:22 pm »

Quote from: Riggers on 04 July, 2016, 09:01:25 am

I saw the last 10 minutes on ITV 4 yesterday evening. And that's all I've seen so far.

They were a good 10 minutes. That stage finish was a little reminiscent of the 2014 Sheffield one, if not quite so severe. Impressive of Sagan to cede the lead, and then come back again to take the win.

Riggers · « **Reply #28 on:** 04 July, 2016, 03:34:57 pm »

From the struggling riders it did look steep but, once again it seems, pics from cameras cannot adequately portray just how steep!

pcolbeck · « **Reply #29 on:** 04 July, 2016, 05:31:41 pm »

Blimey !

Ruthie · « **Reply #30 on:** 04 July, 2016, 05:34:16 pm »

I know, right? This year is very good so far

LEE · « **Reply #31 on:** 04 July, 2016, 07:13:38 pm »

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Andrew · « **Reply #32 on:** 04 July, 2016, 07:39:20 pm »

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bobb · « **Reply #33 on:** 04 July, 2016, 07:54:20 pm »

Quote from: Andrew on 04 July, 2016, 07:39:20 pm

He gives a good, considered and respectful interview afterwards.

I thought his (second) interview with Matt was pretty disrespectful. He spent more time talking to his daughter than the interviewer. And even then he was mostly moaning. I still love him though

Talking of the kids thing - I can see this getting banned. I don't really have a problem with it myself (and don't want to appear a joyless cunt) but sooner or later, there's going to be a "No kids on podiums" rule. What next? Someone bringing their kids on to the podium at Rio to have a gold medal put round their neck?

Andrew · « **Reply #34 on:** 04 July, 2016, 08:01:26 pm »

Quote from: bobb on 04 July, 2016, 07:54:20 pm

I thought his (second) interview with Matt was pretty disrespectful.

I don't know who Matt is. I was watching his interview on French TV. He's careful to pay due respect to the tour and French riders generally. That he loves and respects the TdF is beyond doubt.

Peter · « **Reply #35 on:** 04 July, 2016, 09:32:30 pm »

Quote from: bobb on 04 July, 2016, 07:54:20 pm

Quote from: Andrew on 04 July, 2016, 07:39:20 pm
He gives a good, considered and respectful interview afterwards.

I thought his (second) interview with Matt was pretty disrespectful. He spent more time talking to his daughter than the interviewer. And even then he was mostly moaning. I still love him though

Talking of the kids thing - I can see this getting banned. I don't really have a problem with it myself (and don't want to appear a joyless cunt) but sooner or later, there's going to be a "No kids on podiums" rule. What next? Someone bringing their kids on to the podium at Rio to have a gold medal put round their neck?

It should be easy enough to stop: it's not good for opponents who have been unable to have children, that should do it.

Mr Larrington · « **Reply #36 on:** 04 July, 2016, 09:36:55 pm »

Bloody machine decided to stop recording with about 5 km to go

Fortunately I recorded the highlights as well.

Karla · « **Reply #37 on:** 04 July, 2016, 10:00:05 pm »

And there, ladies and gentlemen, is the advantage of a well-timed bike throw.

LEE · « **Reply #38 on:** 04 July, 2016, 10:29:31 pm »

I distinctly remember, 3 or 4 years ago, thinking Eddie's 34 stage wins was way out of reach of Cav,

Now just 2 more wins puts the record enticingly close, just a good 2017 TdF away.

Close enough to devote a couple of years of your life to try to achieve? Has Cav got 6 (or even 7) stage wins left in him?

He keeps defying the odds.

TimC · « **Reply #39 on:** 05 July, 2016, 01:51:11 am »

Quote from: Oranj on 04 July, 2016, 10:01:00 pm

Quote from: Andrew on 04 July, 2016, 08:01:26 pm
I don't know who Matt is.

A multilingual walking encyclopedia of cycling, with added layers of geekiness. Pretty much the ideal person to think of a good question for the winner in the 2 minutes after a stage has finished.

Probably the only Englishman I'd trust to correct any native speaker of any European language on their pronunciation and be right! And he knows pretty much everything there is to know about pro cycling too. In other words, I hate him...

Andrew · « **Reply #40 on:** 05 July, 2016, 08:55:59 am »

Quote from: Phartiphukborlz on 04 July, 2016, 10:00:05 pm

And there, ladies and gentlemen, it's the advantage of a well-timed bike throw.

Indeed. He got everything right in that finish. Nice to see when you start thinking that maybe he's just beginning to lose his edge.

Nuncio · « **Reply #41 on:** 05 July, 2016, 09:40:18 am »

Quote from: Andrew on 04 July, 2016, 07:39:20 pm

Cavendish has matured, as a rider and as a person. He gives a good, considered and respectful interview afterwards.

Well he hasn't grabbed a reporter's dictaphone for 3 years, but the test is when he's interviewed after he hasn't won, or when he's asked about causing a crash he thought he was blameless in, and/or when he's asked what he thinks is a fatuous question.

I didn't hear it but the Cycling Podcast mentioned that after the first win he was asked a long, fawning question about how he is now respected by peloton and wasn't that good. Cav considered for a while and then said something like: 'I don't know. At least 50% still bleeping hate me'.
(* I'm not being coy - that was the word used by Richard Moore)

pcolbeck · « **Reply #42 on:** 05 July, 2016, 12:49:39 pm »

What's the current form of (French) houswives favourite Thomas Voeckler ? Can we expect any of his mad breakaways this year ?

Nuncio · « **Reply #43 on:** 05 July, 2016, 01:00:15 pm »

Supposedly losing time deliberately so that he has some leeway for breaks in the mountains. Currently 181st, 10 minutes down. Apparently 'asked permission' of the peloton to bridge up to the lone leader Fonseca yesterday and gurned with him for about 70km before being caught by the rapacious sprinting teams with 8km to go.

Andrew · « **Reply #44 on:** 05 July, 2016, 01:00:43 pm »

Quote from: pcolbeck on 05 July, 2016, 12:49:39 pm

What's the current form of (French) houswives favourite Thomas Voeckler ? Can we expect any of his mad breakaways this year ?

You weren't watching yesterday then? He was at his tongue lolling, gurning best.

bobb · « **Reply #45 on:** 05 July, 2016, 01:01:29 pm »

Quote from: pcolbeck on 05 July, 2016, 12:49:39 pm

What's the current form of (French) houswives favourite Thomas Voeckler ? Can we expect any of his mad breakaways this year ?

Well, he was in a two man break yesterday. Tongue all over the place. So, yes you can expect more of that, especially as he's way down on GC already

Edit: Cross post

pcolbeck · « **Reply #46 on:** 05 July, 2016, 01:07:15 pm »

Quote from: Andrew on 05 July, 2016, 01:00:43 pm

Quote from: pcolbeck on 05 July, 2016, 12:49:39 pm
What's the current form of (French) houswives favourite Thomas Voeckler ? Can we expect any of his mad breakaways this year ?

You weren't watching yesterday then? He was at his tongue lolling, gurning best.

Yup only caught the last few minutes really and even then I was working so wasn't giving it my full attention. I like breakaway specialists. Now annoyed I missed a Voeckler special.

mattc · « **Reply #47 on:** 05 July, 2016, 01:10:28 pm »

Quote from: Nuncio on 05 July, 2016, 09:40:18 am

Quote from: Andrew on 04 July, 2016, 07:39:20 pm
Cavendish has matured, as a rider and as a person. He gives a good, considered and respectful interview afterwards.

Well he hasn't grabbed a reporter's dictaphone for 3 years, but the test is when he's interviewed after he hasn't won, or when he's asked about causing a crash he thought he was blameless in, and/or when he's asked what he thinks is a fatuous question.

I hope the grumpy Cav stays with us for many years. He IS a mature respectful person, but he's also human.

If people want walking PR spouts, just read the teams press releases. Or watch some F1 post-race interviews:

- So, you threw away the race on the last lap, and your teammate is saying you're a twat. Tell us how shit you feel right now.
- For sure, the race didn't go as planned. The whole team will work hard for the next race."

Pancho · « **Reply #48 on:** 05 July, 2016, 02:07:07 pm »

This is the first time I've actually watched the TdF. OK, I've seen stages in the flesh before, and I've caught a few highlights. But this is the first time I've been able to have it on in its entirety[1] in the background like the cricket. I'm loving it.

[1] Well, as much of its entirety as ITV4 shows. Good job I haven't got Eurosport or whatever - I'd never get anything done.

mattc · « **Reply #49 on:** 05 July, 2016, 02:25:55 pm »

Quote from: Pancho on 05 July, 2016, 02:07:07 pm

This is the first time I've actually watched the TdF. OK, I've seen stages in the flesh before, and I've caught a few highlights. But this is the first time I've been able to have it on in its entirety[1] in the background like the cricket. I'm loving it.

[1] Well, as much of its entirety as ITV4 shows. Good job I haven't got Eurosport or whatever - I'd never get anything done.

[1] They do show a few stages in their entirety.

Wouldn't it be marvellous if they could get a team of commentators/pundits, working stints, like TMS on the radio, each with something to contribute - either insight or anecdote?

The country would close down in July.