SPOILER ALERT. Sagan skating.

[monkeybanana86]

Previous title to this post: Sagan's close call in the prologue!


if you missed it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7lxuIKHmKM&feature=player_embedded

[esldude]

Yeah, I saw this and found this same video. Watched it several times trying to figure out how he got unclipped to get his foot down so fast. Wonder what pedals he uses? Maybe he was unclipped for the turn as he knew he would be pushing it near the edge of traction.

I did something similar last year, except for the part about getting my foot out and the part about actually avoiding a crash. Oops, and OUCH!

[Fixed]

Good mtb reflexes
Cheers :)

[Grant McLean]

Wonder what pedals he uses?

It's not the pedals for cryin' out loud....

At 16 he won a Slovak Cup race on his sister's bike.

By 18 he was a Junior Mtn Bike World Champion,
finished second at Cyclocross Junior World Championships,
and almost won the Junior Paris–Roubaix, he's a gifted athlete
who has skills!

-g

[esldude]

Asking about the pedals was a bit of joke.

No doubt he is a gifted athlete, and I am a non-gifted athlete with some scars.

[fatallightning]

Speedplays. I think he lost the front and unclipped to save it, not vice versa.

[benitosan1972]

that was some smart & aggressive riding, and that is why he is a champ.
pushing pushing pushing, but never reckless, always prepared & ready, wow

[Black Dog]

That was unreal. This guy has some seriously good and fast reflexes.

[MattTuck]

Speaking of potential bike changes....


does anyone have the story on what happened to Tony Martin? How many bikes did he go through? 3? :eek:

[Grant McLean]

Speaking of potential bike changes....


does anyone have the story on what happened to Tony Martin? How many bikes did he go through? 3? :eek:

how many times did you see the replay? He got a flat.

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12256/Tour-de-France-Tough-day-for-Tony-Martin-as-a-puncture-denies-him-possible-prologue-victory.aspx

[gearguywb]

If Sagan keeps his head on straight he is capable of winning anything he he decides to pursue.

[Fixed]

This is going be great today
Classic's race and the t.d.f. Rolled into one
Does it get better in bike racing ?
If so not much
Cheers. Enjoy today a good day for fans

[ultraman6970]

He went over FC's wheel like nothing, IMO he is going to be unstoppable again just like in the other races.

I don't see evans too good. Horner lost time today again... This race will be between the Canadian and the English guy.

[monkeybanana86]

He went over FC's wheel like nothing, IMO he is going to be unstoppable again just like in the other races.

I don't see evans too good. Horner lost time today again... This race will be between the Canadian and the English guy.

why do you think FC waved him to go by?

[ultraman6970]

Because FC was going full gas (and because he is a fighter) and had almost nothing in the tank maybe? Or maybe he wanted to make the things even, if sagan goes to the front was going to burn and at least FC was going to have more chanced to win the stage. Sagan did what he had to do, jump to his wheel and just wait for the best, I imagine sagan was going full gas too, is not funny to equal FC in those accelerations and in a climb is even worse.

[Fixed]

True grit
John Peter Wayne Sagan IMHO Cowboy
Cheers.

[Rueda Tropical]

why do you think FC waved him to go by?
I think he was asking Sagan to work and take a turn at the front. But Sagan knew the yellow was more important to FC then the stage win so if he just stayed glued to FC's wheel Fabian would have no choice but to pull him to the line. FC wanted a gap to hold the jersey longer more then the win. To bad after a great performance he didn't get either. Great day of racing.

[monkeybanana86]

I think he was asking Sagan to work and take a turn at the front. But Sagan knew the yellow was more important to FC then the stage win so if he just stayed glued to FC's wheel Fabian would have no choice but to pull him to the line. FC wanted a gap to hold the jersey longer more then the win. To bad after a great performance he didn't get either. Great day of racing.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't FC still ahead of Wiggins by 7 sec? And since FC isn't expected to win why wouldn't he want more stage wins? Honest questions here I know how things can read rude on the internet.

[MattTuck]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't FC still ahead of Wiggins by 7 sec? And since FC isn't expected to win why wouldn't he want more stage wins? Honest questions here I know how things can read rude on the internet.

I agree. FC MAY have wanted some more time to hold the jersey a little longer, but honestly, 5 or 10 seconds wasn't going to make a difference in that department.

I think FC is so strong, that people will just ride his wheel.

There was a pretty long discussion about this during the classics season. and in my opinion, until he credibly blows a race by not working, people are going to take advantage of his 'spartacus' mentality of fighting for principle instead of the stage win.

[ultraman6970]

The reason to want more stages and more seconds (his main goal today) is to be able to stretch the amount of days in yellow. A couple of more seconds could mean an extra day or two.

As for the stages, is just TV and exposure, the team looks like crap in the news, and pretty much wins is what they need. Horner is the GC guy and he lost more time today, FC sure knows they dont have any chance to go for the GC, and since he is a real champion... everytime he can he goes for the win. The team after all needs stuff like that.

[Rueda Tropical]

Yes Spartacus looks like the only hope for salvaging something from this Tour and he is stepping up big time. Team could sure use it.

[ultraman6970]

For example today was perfect for a bluff from FS and he did not do anything, cadel kind'a bluffed or he did not have the legs. Sagan and FC are the same type of riders, if they see the chance they will go for it.

[DrSpoke]

Didn't Sagan unclip on a stage of the Tour of California and clip back in without missing a beat.

And don't forget that Sagan chased down 2 attacks in the final k and pulled FC up on the first one so he could make the second one.

[DrSpoke]

I think FC is so strong, that people will just ride his wheel.

That's exactly what FC himself said in the post race interview.

And what's up with that Sagan victory celebration?

[ultraman6970]

The chicken dance!

And what's up with that Sagan victory celebration?

[Grant McLean]

people are going to take advantage of his 'spartacus' mentality of fighting for principle instead of the stage win.

Fabian tired to win the stage, he doesn't "fight for principle",
this is a made up internet forum concept. Ask FC what he did today:
he tried to to first to the finish line the best way he knows how.

today's lesson:

It comes down to abilities: Horses for courses.
FC can't outsprint the specialists, he's not fast enough. But he can ride real
fast for longer distance than the sprinters, who only have a short kick.
Today was the same tactic for FC as earlier at MSR, try to get to
the finish line before the sprinter specialists get there, and win.
If he waits, he loses, but if he goes with more than 1km left, he might win,
and that's his best chance at winning on a profile finish like today.
It didn't work today... but it could have. Only Sagan was quick enough
to catch him and come around.

the advice:

This forum really needs to up the knowledge level. If these threads are
going add any insightful discussion on race results - learn and acknowledge
the fundamental basics of bike racing. Talking about 'principle' and
'wheelsucking' is what those who are new to the sport fall back on to
try and explain what they've seen, when in fact they don't understand
in the slightest the way professional racing tactics function.

-g

[Earl Gray]

.....
This forum really needs to up the knowledge level. If these threads are
going add any insightful discussion on race results - learn and acknowledge
the fundamental basics of bike racing. Talking about 'principle' and
'wheelsucking' is what those who are new to the sport fall back on to
try and explain what they've seen, when in fact they don't understand
in the slightest the way professional racing tactics function.

-g


They don't teach that stuff at our table.

I'm thankful that guys like you are willing to Grace us with your knowledge and wisdom.

[monkeybanana86]

A little update:

"According to RAI commentator, Paolo Savoldelli, Peter Sagan wanted to work with Cancellara, but his Liquigas-Cannondale team car told him not to."

From steephill who finally posted photos.

Upping my knowledge in racing is exactly why I'm here! Can't wait to get him and watch the stage on something other than my iPhone.

[beeatnik]

Fabian tired to win the stage, he doesn't "fight for principle",
this is a made up internet forum concept. Ask FC what he did today:
he tried to to first to the finish line the best way he knows how.

today's lesson:

It comes down to abilities: Horses for courses.
FC can't outsprint the specialists, he's not fast enough. But he can ride real
fast for longer distance than the sprinters, who only have a short kick.
Today was the same tactic for FC as earlier at MSR, try to get to
the finish line before the sprinter specialists get there, and win.
If he waits, he loses, but if he goes with more than 1km left, he might win,
and that's his best chance at winning on a profile finish like today.
It didn't work today... but it could have. Only Sagan was quick enough
to catch him and come around.


-g

yep, same thing happens on every competitive training ride. strongest rider/s takes off early, drops the sprinters. sprinters work together and have more kick at the line.

[benitosan1972]

let the forum have it's discussions (intelligent or not), most of us here are cycling fans and fans want somewhere to vent, gab, cheer, jeer, and criticize... anyone can interject with real knowledge to share so we can all learn, but to tell fans of cycling not to talk about the TDF on a cycling forum is :confused:

[Grant McLean]

Upping my knowledge in racing is exactly why I'm here!

good stuff.

this article has some analysis:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/07/news/sagan-wins-stage-1-of-the-2012-tour-de-france-cancellara-leads_226824

-g

[Fixed]

No way around it Sagan is on fire ,he is just what the fans love a consistent performer .. I am a fan that goes for F.C.too IMHO
Cheers

[monkeybanana86]

how many times did you see the replay? He got a flat.

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12256/Tour-de-France-Tough-day-for-Tony-Martin-as-a-puncture-denies-him-possible-prologue-victory.aspx

awesome article. I guess I will not only check steephill daily but velonews as well!

"I thought attacking would be the best defense and 500 meters from the line I wasn't going to slow down. If I go for something, I go all the way. I'm not going to give up, that's not me.
...Maybe Sagan, eight years from now, will do the same thing."

[monkeybanana86]

I agree. FC MAY have wanted some more time to hold the jersey a little longer, but honestly, 5 or 10 seconds wasn't going to make a difference in that department.

I think FC is so strong, that people will just ride his wheel.

There was a pretty long discussion about this during the classics season. and in my opinion, until he credibly blows a race by not working, people are going to take advantage of his 'spartacus' mentality of fighting for principle instead of the stage win.


now i understand that nickname. that face of pain in the last attack was great to see

[rphetteplace]

I'm sorry but I'm starting to question Sagan. Dude is too strong. He's been a monster consistantly since March. At the finish today everyone else looks like they were coming out of their skins and he looked fresh as a daisy. I'm beginning to smell doper on him imho.

[monkeybanana86]

I'm sorry but I'm starting to question Sagan. Dude is too strong. He's been a monster consistantly since March. At the finish today everyone else looks like they were coming out of their skins and he looked fresh as a daisy. I'm beginning to smell doper on him imho.

he definitely looked fresh but most of the time the riders look good in pictures when they're the first to cross the line imo.

as far as doping? I just asume they're all on something so it's even :)

[benitosan1972]

possibly, but he's also only 22... fresh meat... or tainted beef? ;)

[ultraman6970]

The day you see these guys racing personally (if you havent yet) you will understand why they look fresh at the end of 6 hours of racing.

Their stamina in all of them is just unreal, doping or not doping the guys are just unreal. There is a video where sagan shows up just after the arrival and he was coughing like crazy just everybody does, he makes it easy but sure he was with nothing in the tank. The other insane thing they have is that after 5 or 10 minutes they look ok.

Doubt the kid is doping at all, he is just insanely good and since he is young he is reckless too so he will take any chance he finds.


I'm sorry but I'm starting to question Sagan. Dude is too strong. He's been a monster consistantly since March. At the finish today everyone else looks like they were coming out of their skins and he looked fresh as a daisy. I'm beginning to smell doper on him imho.

[cfox]

Fabian tired to win the stage, he doesn't "fight for principle",
this is a made up internet forum concept. Ask FC what he did today:
he tried to to first to the finish line the best way he knows how.

today's lesson:

It comes down to abilities: Horses for courses.
FC can't outsprint the specialists, he's not fast enough. But he can ride real
fast for longer distance than the sprinters, who only have a short kick.
Today was the same tactic for FC as earlier at MSR, try to get to
the finish line before the sprinter specialists get there, and win.
If he waits, he loses, but if he goes with more than 1km left, he might win,
and that's his best chance at winning on a profile finish like today.
It didn't work today... but it could have. Only Sagan was quick enough
to catch him and come around.

the advice:

This forum really needs to up the knowledge level. If these threads are
going add any insightful discussion on race results - learn and acknowledge
the fundamental basics of bike racing. Talking about 'principle' and
'wheelsucking' is what those who are new to the sport fall back on to
try and explain what they've seen, when in fact they don't understand
in the slightest the way professional racing tactics function.

-g

Thanks for the advice, Dad. You are the only person in this entire thread who used the phrase "wheelsucking." There are more inane comments on this stage across the hall than there are here.

[Fixed]

Don' sweat it say what you want about the race no different than what fans of other pro sports say on sports shows . You don't have be a cyclist to enjoy the sport and to be a fan . There will be experts to set it right
Thanks grant. For pointing out some fundamentals of bike racing .
Cheers


Sagan is my favorite rider these days

[nooneline]

I'm sorry but I'm starting to question Sagan. Dude is too strong. He's been a monster consistantly since March. At the finish today everyone else looks like they were coming out of their skins and he looked fresh as a daisy. I'm beginning to smell doper on him imho.

That's silly, to call his performances reason to suggest doping. Here's why: he's developed slowly and steadily for the past couple of years, winning smaller races, building endurance and strength, and is now contesting bigger races.

Sometimes riders are dominant. It's if they don't have that history of development that your eyebrows might raise.

[monkeybanana86]

That's silly, to call his performances reason to suggest doping. Here's why: he's developed slowly and steadily for the past couple of years, winning smaller races, building endurance and strength, and is now contesting bigger races.

Sometimes riders are dominant. It's if they don't have that history of development that your eyebrows might raise.

good point he does have a real good record

[Fixed]

he definitely looked fresh but most of the time the riders look good in pictures when they're the first to cross the line imo.

as far as doping? I just asume they're all on something so it's even :)

He is a Witch Burn him ..
Cheers :)

[tannhauser]

That's silly, to call his performances reason to suggest doping. Here's why: he's developed slowly and steadily for the past couple of years, winning smaller races, building endurance and strength, and is now contesting bigger races.

Sometimes riders are dominant. It's if they don't have that history of development that your eyebrows might raise.

This is it.

It's easy to throw tags around but when a kid dominates from an early age like Cancellara (born with a motor) or Sagan you just gotta say he's good.

[MattTuck]

Dear Peter,

Welcome to the big leagues.

:p:p:p:p

[pdmtong]

just how many bottles did the garmin dom take at 51.9 to go in todays stage? i was too busy watching.listenign to vaughters to count but it was like some kind of reverse magic trick...the bottles kept getting handed out and then stuffed into the jersey....like 10+

[simple]

If this kid's not doping, the whole peloton is clean.


IMO.

[BumbleBeeDave]

the advice:

This forum really needs to up the knowledge level. If these threads are
going add any insightful discussion on race results - learn and acknowledge
the fundamental basics of bike racing. Talking about 'principle' and
'wheelsucking' is what those who are new to the sport fall back on to
try and explain what they've seen, when in fact they don't understand
in the slightest the way professional racing tactics function.

-g

Thanks for the advice.

BBD

[oldpotatoe]

If this kid's not doping, the whole peloton is clean.


IMO.

Glad somebody said it.

[nooneline]

I guess it would be too much to ask for this forum to just talk about bike racing.

[Fixed]

I pick Gilbert.For today But Iam. Rooting for Sagan the tourmanator as well
I think they are both very exciting
Cheers :)

[benitosan1972]

I guess it would be too much to ask for this forum to just talk about bike racing.



That's like asking people here NOT to talk about Rapha, SRAM, and Schleck ;)

[Fixed]

I guess it would be too much to ask for this forum to just talk about bike racing.
No not allowed
Cheers :eek::bike:
The camara work is so good today I felt like I was riding in the break today For a few seconds
Thanks t.d.f.
Cheers
P.g. Says oh shoe.et !
Sammy says we are on our on
Rocket says anyone know the password for this thing?
I say six day track racer that climbs has made me a fan ,
A.v. Says I am a movie star
P.G says I am the new Merckx .....well Phil said it

[Fixed]

Bravo :banana:Bravo
Cheers

[firerescuefin]

Great route today...kudos to the organizers...what else can you say about the winner.

[monkeybanana86]

Sagan skates again! this time without falling and while crossing the finish! I wonder how he will dance for his next win.

[firerescuefin]

....act like you've been there (on some level) IMO :no:

Fine line between celebrating and being an @ss (mocking your competition)

Maybe I'm just getting old.

[Scuzzer]

Maybe I'm just getting old.

Me too. My preteen daughter thought it was cool and my attempts to tell her why it wasn't fell on deaf ears.

[Nooch]

....act like you've been there (on some level) IMO :no:

Fine line between celebrating and being an @ss (mocking your competition)

Maybe I'm just getting old.

but is it *that* much different than the old Cav celebrations?

He just got a little :banana: with it..

[Joachim]

The "victory" :rolleyes: salute of Cav?

[54ny77]

sagan sure is fun to watch! apart from brutish strength, he has some big cajones and is in right place when needed. more often than not it seems to be working for him just fine.

hope he holds it together after a few weeks of brutal racing and can pull off another fine victory.

[azrider]

....act like you've been there (on some level) IMO.

dude no doubt. the kid looks like an idiot atmo

[Fixed]

He will mellow with age but I like the firecracker he is now
Cheers :)

[monkeybanana86]

no funky dance today. I agree hopefully he grows out of that.

[ultraman6970]

Looks like annoys the hell out of you :)

[T.J.]

i've seen cat4's have over the top victory celebrations for winning a local crit. this KID is 22 yrs old and winning stages in the TDF , he's entitled. :banana:

[monkeybanana86]

Looks like annoys the hell out of you :)

Oh no I just thought he might have won today or cav. Too bad about the crash