TDF Stage 3 Live Discussion: The Mur de Huy (Spoilers)

[MattTuck]

I love the idea of adding in more roads from the classics into the tour.

Picks for today's stage?

[ANAO]

I just want to see Fabian in the yellow for a few days. Makes me happy to see him there.

[guido]

Valverde

[MattTuck]

Locking in my picks. Which, for those not keeping score, virtually eliminates the chance that any of these names will have a good result.

1. Dan Martin
2. Michal Kwiatkowski
3. Chris Froome

[Lewis Moon]

Locking in my picks. Which, for those not keeping score, virtually eliminates the chance that any of these names will have a good result.

1. Dan Martin
2. Michal Kwiatkowski
3. Chris Froome

Then, thank you for choosing the Robot Chicken for that list.

[EPIC! Stratton]

Whoa! :eek:

[bcroslin]

what is going on?! I just tuned in on my phone and there's dude's laying in a ditch and they're neutralizing the race?

[guido]

Big crash... Front pack went down including Fabian. Tom Dumoulin has abandoned.

[MattTuck]

Big high speed crash.

Not entirely sure why the neutralization other than it was a really bad crash for some folks.

[bcroslin]

Big crash...

I've never seen the race stopped dead like that because of a crash. Crazy.

[MattTuck]

From the sound of it, there are lots of people abandoning. It was a pretty gnarly crash.

[guido]

Now race officials have neutralized completely bring the race to a stop.

[MattTuck]

Maybe they view it as not fair when you have all your team cars back at the crash? No idea.

[guido]

Laurens Ten Dam, William Bonnet, Simon Gerrans have all joined Dumoulin have all abandoned.

Cancellara is badly shaken up too...

[MattTuck]

The reason that they're going with is that the medical staff was 100% involved in the crash and would not have been able to support a second incident.

[oldpotatoe]

Big high speed crash.

Not entirely sure why the neutralization other than it was a really bad crash for some folks.

Yowser, Cancellera's bike goes flying. Messy crash. Surprised they stopped neutralized first climb...

[guido]

Ten Dam is still in the race...

Laurens Ten Dam, William Bonnet, Simon Gerrans have all joined Dumoulin have all abandoned.

Cancellara is badly shaken up too...

[ANAO]

I'm at work.

Keep the updates coming!

[azrider]

The reason that they're going with is that the medical staff was 100% involved in the crash and would not have been able to support a second incident.

this makes a lot of sense......such a rough season for Gerrans

[bcroslin]

Ten Dam is riding with a dislocated shoulder. :eek:

[guido]

http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2015/07/Screen-Shot-2015-07-06-at-8.07.46-AM-659x440.png

Pretty crazy...

[ANAO]

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/7/6/8900391/tour-de-france-crash-stage-3

https://vine.co/v/enbUhAa6D5I/embed/simple" width="600" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js">

[MattTuck]

Lotto Jumbo really need some new jerseys that are not yellow.

[LJohnny]

When the race was neutralized, the commentators speculated that it was because of a second crash, further up the road, to which medical attention was being not provided in a timely manner (because all the medical staff were at the scene of the 1st crash.)
Later the "in-the-race" reporter talked to the officials and he was told that they decided to neutralize the stage because there were too many riders down at one time.

[Lewis Moon]

Looks like a touched wheel? Carnage.

[bobswire]

It's getting to be a regular occurrence for chaos to strike in the first week of the TdF.

[guido]

It's getting to be a regular occurrence for chaos to strike in the first week of the TdF.

One wonders if it is a feature or a bug...

[bcroslin]

Looks like a touched wheel? Carnage.

Just like what happens on local group rides. Somebody grabs some brakes and the guy behind isn't paying attention and then bodies everywhere.

[MattTuck]

Great win from Rodriguez. Good showing from Froome as well.

Cancellara is probably less than 50/50 to start tomorrow... bummer too, as it would have been his domain on the cobbles. Hopefully he checks out ok, but not looking good.

[kramnnim]

And Froome in yellow. Wow, crazy stage.

Poor Tony. lol.

[chengher87]

Wow, heartbreak again for Tony Martin. Second in GC to Froome now. If by another set of time bonuses.......

WOW!! 1 second?!?!?!?!

[bcroslin]

Tony Martin screwed by Cavendish's day 2 finish line antics for a second day in a row. Total jerk.

[kramnnim]

Stybar or Van Avermaet could be in yellow tomorrow, with the cobbles and all...

Though I suppose EQS would try to get Tony that second he needs.

[ANAO]

Stybar or Van Avermaet could be in yellow tomorrow, with the cobbles and all...

Though I suppose EQS would try to get Tony that second he needs.

Historically speaking, that won't happen.

[guido]

TJ in third on the GC...

Great stuff!

[denapista]

Wonder how that will work out for Saxo. Sagan is a classics style rider. He's .31 seconds down on yellow. Do you let him go and get yellow and then defend it, with your GC hopes in AC? I would love to see Sagan in yellow, just to piss off the weird owner.

[ANAO]

+1 ^.

Very weird owner.

[jr59]

Wonder how that will work out for Saxo. Sagan is a classics style rider. He's .31 seconds down on yellow. Do you let him go and get yellow and then defend it, with your GC hopes in AC? I would love to see Sagan in yellow, just to piss off the weird owner.

I bet he was not to happy having the first climb before the sprint shut down.

I doubt that Grieple would have won the 20 points.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

That was one of the worst crashes I can remember recently. Looked like the FDJ rider tried to avoid something on the road, swerved right slightly, right into a rear wheel.

Froome is looking strong.

[Lewis Moon]

That was one of the worst crashes I can remember recently. Looked like the FDJ rider tried to avoid something on the road, swerved right slightly, right into a rear wheel.

Froome is looking strong.

http://cdn.bleedingcool.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/RobotChicken.jpg

[bcroslin]

That was one of the worst crashes I can remember recently. Looked like the FDJ rider tried to avoid something on the road, swerved right slightly, right into a rear wheel.

Froome is looking strong.

And Contador looked like he was suffering.

BTW - would love to see Sagan in yellow for a day or two.

[MattTuck]

GoPro video from one of the mechanics on OGE during the crash.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7raIxrzodt4&feature=youtu.be

[MattTuck]

Also, from Cancellara's twitter.

Just left the hospital with a huge disappointment #TDF2015 is over broke some bones on my back again as in spring. #L3/L4right side

[bcroslin]

GoPro video from one of the mechanics on OGE during the crash.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7raIxrzodt4&feature=youtu.be

Wow, that is compelling footage. All that groaning is terrible. Couldn't tell if it was the Lotto rider or whoever it was that hit the light pole. What a mess.

[Burnette]

I missed the race, daughter's dentist appointment early, then we played downstars, her outside, me on the rollers.
Check the forum and see this, wow.
Matt, in that video you posted, sounded like the mechanic said "he broke his collar bone" at 4:23 in? Not sure, but that's what I heard.
Is there video of the crashes anywhere yet?
Want to see how they started.

[MattTuck]

I missed the race, daughter's dentist appointment early, then we played downstars, her outside, me on the rollers.
Check the forum and see this, wow.
Matt, in that video you posted, sounded like the mechanic said "he broke his collar bone" at 4:23 in? Not sure, but that's what I heard.
Is there video of the crashes anywhere yet?
Want to see how they started.

Yeah, I heard that too. But, I think it is wrong. They're dealing with incomplete information. And the way he was holding his arm (to protect his wrist) looked a lot like the way they hold it when they break a collar bone...

Crash was terrible. I'm sure it is somewhere, but not sure where. High speed crash. Cancellara's bike must have flipped for about 40 feet. To give you an idea of the energy involved.

[Burnette]

On cyclingnews, Tejay van Garderen says his group was ahead of the crash traveling about 80 to 90 km per hour. That's 50 to 55 mhp. Damn, I need to go back downstairs.

[mgm777]

No disrespect intended, but is anyone else surprised that Froome out-climbed Contador and Quintana? Hmmmmmm?

[sandyrs]

No disrespect intended, but is anyone else surprised that Froome out-climbed Contador and Quintana? Hmmmmmm?

I was a little surprised to see Froome up there in second but the Mur is not Mont Ventoux- it's far shorter and steeper and doesn't suit the GC guys the same way those long climbs do. It's not like Tony Gallopin is a serious GC contender, but he was up there on the Mur because he's a strong all-around classics rider.

Edit: Plus, I thought Froome looked better on the Mur (aesthetically) than I'd have expected. When he's out of the saddle he isn't quite so unpleasant to watch pedal.

[Burnette]

They make you watch a women's beach volley ball promo before it comes on, but here is video of the crash that had Cancellara in it:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-yahoo-sports/two-large-crashes-mar-tour--put-stage-3-on-hold-164500149.html
You said it Matt, his bike flew along way, wow. And a poor guy actually hit the light pole full speed while sliding too.

[denapista]

Huy isn't a super long climb, so punchy riders can get over it. That explains why Valverde and other rides of that caliber have won on that climb. Froome looks good, but we all know he has questionable bike handling skills. I hope it's dry tomorrow and perfect, because the cobbles are going to shake up the GC for sure. Nibali glided over the cobbles last year in the rain! My buddy said, the directors should leave a camera on Nibali the entire stage. Contador lost big o the cobbles last year. I feel sorry for Quintana and the cobbles coming up. That little fella is going to rocked.

[bcroslin]

Just curious if anyone else noticed the large black devices mounted on the underside of nearly everyone's saddles? Anyone know what those are?

[45K10]

Just curious if anyone else noticed the large black devices mounted on the underside of nearly everyone's saddles? Anyone know what those are?

Is this what you saw?
http://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/gear/article/tour-de-france-2015-road-bike-tech-44690/

[Uncle Jam's Army]

I think they're called a$$ savers. To keep spray off your backside when its raining.

[ScottM]

I was afraid someone would hit the light pole head on at high speed instead of swamping it after scrubbing off some speed on the pavement/ground . That could have led to a real tragedy.

[efuentes]

Just curious if anyone else noticed the large black devices mounted on the underside of nearly everyone's saddles? Anyone know what those are?

Those are the new telemetry instruments, I believe

http://inrng.com/2015/06/geolocation-telemetry-dauphine/

[denapista]

I was afraid someone would hit the light pole head on at high speed instead of swamping it after scrubbing off some speed on the pavement/ground . That could have led to a real tragedy.

I honestly thought this was the reason they stopped the race. I lost a really close friend in LA in that manner. Racing a crit and hit a post. It looked like that FDJ rider was wrecked. I'm glad cooler heads prevailed in the peloton, you could see there was some frustration in the front. I still think Sagan will take green and I hope he rides into yellow tomorrow.

[Seramount]

the talking heads on NBC are saying the race was neutralized to allow the medical cars to rejoin the peloton after attending to those injured in the crashes...

[denapista]

the talking heads on NBC are saying the race was neutralized to allow the medical cars to rejoin the peloton after attending to those injured in the crashes...

correct. My initial thought watching it live, was that someone hit the pole and the fact that it was a huge fast crash. It made sense to do that considering there were (2) consecutive crashes. The scenario in that event, played out perfectly for a neutralization. Like a Disaster recovery plan actually working in a corporate IT setting. Two back to back pile ups on slim roads with no medical availability due to cars not being able to get through. It all made sense. what if someone in the peloton went down after the double pile up and needed serious medical attention? Like life threatening injuries. The race was still good today. Hope it isn't a $hit $how tomorrow on the cobbles.

[enr1co]

Yeah, I heard that too. But, I think it is wrong. They're dealing with incomplete information. And the way he was holding his arm (to protect his wrist) looked a lot like the way they hold it when they break a collar bone...

Crash was terrible. I'm sure it is somewhere, but not sure where. High speed crash. Cancellara's bike must have flipped for about 40 feet. To give you an idea of the energy involved.


Bummer to hear- Cancellera out with factured vertabrae (again). Hope he can heal up and finish up his career strongly in 2016 as he was planning.


http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/07/news/cancellara-out-of-tour-de-france-with-fractured-vertebrae_376820

[MattTuck]

Who writes the crap in that article?

Cancellara came into the Tour, aiming to return to the top after a disappointing spring campaign and help team leader Bauke Mollema.


His spring campaign was not disappointing, it was ended by a crash. There's a difference. Disappointing is lining up in every race as top contender and failing to have a good result. He may have been 'disappointed' that he wasn't able to ride the top races, but that is different.

[bcroslin]

Who writes the crap in that article?

His spring campaign was not disappointing, it was ended by a crash. There's a difference. Disappointing is lining up in every race as top contender and failing to have a good result. He may have been 'disappointed' that he wasn't able to ride the top races, but that is different.

Disappointing is Etixx-Quick-Step's performance yesterday

[1centaur]

IMO, Froome has form and AC does not. He popped the way he pops - hangs in close to his target and then just falls off the pace. He has been MUCH more competitive on that climb in the past. I expect him to race to stay in contact until the high mountains and then lose hope of the win and try for the podium.

Not Nibali's type of climb and he did well. Not really Quintana's type of climb either. Froome is more explosive and more diverse in his ability than those guys but can hit his limit and then just scramble to hold on during a very steep finish. Huy is made for Purito, who has had an amazing career for such a niche climber.

[bobswire]

IMO, Froome has form and AC does not. He popped the way he pops - hangs in close to his target and then just falls off the pace. He has been MUCH more competitive on that climb in the past. I expect him to race to stay in contact until the high mountains and then lose hope of the win and try for the podium.

Not Nibali's type of climb and he did well. Not really Quintana's type of climb either. Froome is more explosive and more diverse in his ability than those guys but can hit his limit and then just scramble to hold on during a very steep finish. Huy is made for Purito, who has had an amazing career for such a niche climber.

Hoping to see TJ keep up his form.

[bironi]

Cancellera breaks two vertebrae and finishes on a 20+ grade.
F.
That's not Frank.

[shovelhd]

I watched the NBC replay at least a half dozen times. What I saw was the FDJ rider near the front on the RHS come off his rotation gassed. The rider in front of him swung onto front a little too fast, taking the FDJ rider's front wheel out. Carnage ensued. I agree with the neutralization. They could have neutralized the stage.

[gary135r]

Wonder how that will work out for Saxo. Sagan is a classics style rider. He's .31 seconds down on yellow. Do you let him go and get yellow and then defend it, with your GC hopes in AC? I would love to see Sagan in yellow, just to piss off the weird owner.
I second that!

[Keith A]

Bummer to hear- Cancellera out with factured vertabrae (again). Hope he can heal up and finish up his career strongly in 2016 as he was planning.I was sad to see him hurt again too. He has a rough time lately and was hoping he would have a good TdF this year.

[gary135r]

Wow, that is compelling footage. All that groaning is terrible. Couldn't tell if it was the Lotto rider or whoever it was that hit the light pole. What a mess.
do the have concussion protocols like here in the U.S.?

[gary135r]

I was sad to see him hurt again too. He has a rough time lately and was hoping he would have a good TdF this year.
Pleased that I can say I saw "Spartacus" win a stage in Holland during the '09 Veulta. Great career.

[regularguy412]

Stybar or Van Avermaet could be in yellow tomorrow, with the cobbles and all...

Though I suppose EQS would try to get Tony that second he needs.

If Tony 'happens' to get in a small break, they may just let him go. Let Etixx defend for the better part of a week and a half. All the big GC teams keep their powder dry. Then see what happens in the Alps.

Mike in AR:beer:

[kramnnim]

do the have concussion protocols like here in the U.S.?

No, not yet.

[CPP]

I'm surprised that nobody brought this up:
What would that crash have been like if everybody were riding discs?

[jr59]

If Tony 'happens' to get in a small break, they may just let him go. Let Etixx defend for the better part of a week and a half. All the big GC teams keep their powder dry. Then see what happens in the Alps.

Mike in AR:beer:


Sounds like almost every year. The race doesn't start until the road goes up in a big way!

Although, this has been a fun to watch first couple of days!

[kramnnim]

I'm surprised that nobody brought this up:
What would that crash have been like if everybody were riding discs?

The same? Finger in a rotor slot could be worse than fingers in spokes, but I can't think of anything else? It's not like the rotors would have been warmer than air temperature. Happened too fast for decreased stopping distance to matter.

Mechanic in the video would run a little slower while carrying the wheels, since they weigh more.

[oldpotatoe]

IMO, Froome has form and AC does not. He popped the way he pops - hangs in close to his target and then just falls off the pace. He has been MUCH more competitive on that climb in the past. I expect him to race to stay in contact until the high mountains and then lose hope of the win and try for the podium.

Not Nibali's type of climb and he did well. Not really Quintana's type of climb either. Froome is more explosive and more diverse in his ability than those guys but can hit his limit and then just scramble to hold on during a very steep finish. Huy is made for Purito, who has had an amazing career for such a niche climber.

But jeeezuz he is hard to watch..seemed like he was in the wrong gear, pedaling madly chasing Contador with his elbows out..

[oldpotatoe]

do the have concussion protocols like here in the U.S.?

In USA cycling? They don't exist.

[soulspinner]

Cancellera breaks two vertebrae and finishes on a 20+ grade.
F.
That's not Frank.

:p

[Grant McLean]

IMO, Froome has form and AC does not.

Maybe, but I think AC will manage his efforts the first 10 days in order
to exert the minimum amount of energy possible. Froome is like a boner
looking for a hole.

-g

[kramnnim]

In USA cycling? They don't exist.

I assumed he meant NFL, etc, since that is a big concern these days.

[Onno]

So was there actually a second crash after the big pile up? If so, who was in it? Phil Ligget makes so much stuff up, and there's of course a lot of confusion on the race radio that he also reports, so that it's often hard to know what's actually going on.

[kramnnim]

Haven't seen any pictures of the second crash, supposedly 500 meters down the road. Who was hurt in it? A few guys crashed on the left side of the road, but it was same general area as the one caused by Bonnet.

[MattTuck]

Haven't seen any pictures of the second crash, supposedly 500 meters down the road. Who was hurt in it? A few guys crashed on the left side of the road, but it was same general area as the one caused by Bonnet.

Mark,

Here's onboard video from yesterday's stage. (http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/07/video/video-on-the-bike-highlights-from-stage-3-of-the-tour_376841)

The main crash is at about 1:00. The second crash on the left side of the road is at 1:23.

Hope that is helpful.

[kramnnim]

Mark,

Here's onboard video from yesterday's stage. (http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/07/video/video-on-the-bike-highlights-from-stage-3-of-the-tour_376841)

The main crash is at about 1:00. The second crash on the left side of the road is at 1:23.

Hope that is helpful.

It is, thanks!

[regularguy412]

Originally Posted by regularguy412
If Tony 'happens' to get in a small break, they may just let him go. Let Etixx defend for the better part of a week and a half. All the big GC teams keep their powder dry. Then see what happens in the Alps.


Sounds like almost every year. The race doesn't start until the road goes up in a big way!

Although, this has been a fun to watch first couple of days!

Holy Crap! Been on this forum over 8 years. Only took me that long to finally get a prediction right.

Not gonna give up my day job and start selecting lottery numbers, tho.