TdF 2016 - the definitive thread! (Spoilers!)

[AngryScientist]

Let's get the thread rolling and try keep this a fun lively one this year.

who are your pics for the running this year??

i'm going Froomie and Contadorio on the podium.

other favorites?

big upsets you're looking for??

stage most looked forward to??

[AngryScientist]

...1 Flat Saturday, July 2nd Mont-Saint-Michel / Utah Beach Sainte-Marie-du-Mont 188 km
2 Flat Sunday, July 3rd Saint-Lô / Cherbourg-en-Cotentin 183 km
3 Flat Monday, July 4th Granville / Angers 223.5 km
4 Flat Tuesday, July 5th Saumur / Limoges 237.5 km
5 Mountain Wednesday, July 6th Limoges / Le Lioran 216 km
6 Flat Thursday, July 7th Arpajon-sur-Cère / Montauban 190.5 km
7 Mountain Friday, July 8th L'Isle-Jourdain / Lac de Payolle 162.5 km
8 Mountain Saturday, July 9th Pau / Bagnères-de-Luchon 184 km
9 Mountain Sunday, July 10th Vielha Val d'Aran / Andorre Arcalis 184.5 km
- Rest day Monday, July 11th Andorre / Andorre
10 Hilly Tuesday, July 12th Escaldes-Engordany / Revel 197 km
11 Flat Wednesday, July 13th Carcassonne / Montpellier 162.5 km
12 Mountain Thursday, July 14th Montpellier / Mont Ventoux 184 km
13 Individual time trial Friday, July 15th Bourg-Saint-Andéol / La Caverne du Pont-d'Arc 37.5 km
14 Flat Saturday, July 16th Montélimar / Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux 208.5 km
15 Mountain Sunday, July 17th Bourg-en-Bresse / Culoz 160 km
16 Flat Monday, July 18th Moirans-en-Montagne / Berne 209 km
- Rest day Tuesday, July 19th Berne / Berne
17 Mountain Wednesday, July 20th Berne / Finhaut-Emosson 184.5 km
18 Individual time trial Thursday, July 21st Sallanches / Megève 17 km
19 Mountain Friday, July 22nd Albertville / Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc 146 km
20 Mountain Saturday, July 23rd Megève / Morzine-Avoriaz 146.5 km
21 Flat Sunday, July 24th Chantilly / Paris Champs-Élysées 113 km

[Macadamia]

I still can't make up my mind for GC picks, I want to believe a frenchman will be on the podium this year but which in what place?

[Joxster]

Astana will suffer from infighting, Froome will get distracted by a naked stem and lose 20mins on the second stage.

[AngryScientist]

what is everyone's favorite website to catch up on tour updates both throughout the workday and first thing in the morning?

[Sierra]

I wonder if they'll finally discover Froome's hidden motor?

My money for the top spot is on Nairo Qunintana.

[adub]

Froome will be tough to beat, maybe Quintana can do it?

[MattTuck]

I just wasted 20 minutes. If Sagan really does sign with Bora-Hansgrohe, I'm sure he's got it in his contract to be in the advertisements.

http://i.imgur.com/5QVGwLJ.gif

[Sierra]

Froome will be tough to beat, maybe Quintana can do it?


Yes, Froome is formidable; the man to beat.

I think, though, that the Colombians are in a period of ascendancy in the sport. To wit:

Esteban Chaves (2)
Rigoberto Urán (7)
Darwin Atapuma (9)

Colombians in the top ten in this year's Giro d'Italia.

I have a feeling that things are going to get interesting in the TDF this year; and that nobody--including Mr. Froome--will be able to rest on their palmares.

[roguedog]

Ah.. that would explain the new hairstyle. How lovely to see him washing those locks :) Now, that's planning.:banana::banana:

[Sierra]

Ah.. that would explain the new hairstyle. How lovely to see him washing those locks :) Now, that's planning.:banana::banana:

The guy is a magnet. And I won't say what kind. ;)

Don't we all wish we were him? :D

[SpokeValley]

The guy is a magnet. And I won't say what kind. ;)

Don't we all wish we were him? :D

It would be fun, alright.

Good article about him in this morning's WSJ

www.wsj.com/articles/the-rock-star-of-cycling-1467323948The Rock Star of Cycling http://

[SpokeValley]

Froome will be tough to beat, maybe Quintana can do it?

I'm thinking it may be Quintana's time.

[572cv]

Following the Tour is part of the summer for me. I love the countryside, and the enthusiasm of everyone along the way, the caravan, and oh, yes, the competitions for the various pinnacles of endeavor.

In the fall, we are going to the Correze, so I am anxious to see the stage from Limoge to Le Lioran. With respect to riders, I hope that a French rider will at least provide a challenge in the GC, if an American cannot do so. I'd like to see the French win their own race one of these years, just because.

Finally, I did get the NBC gold package, which seemed like a good enough deal for all platforms, for four races. You have to get it on the NBC website. It loaded onto my computer and then onto my phone and ipad as aps, so I get to carry the tour with me wherever. I agree that the commentary isn't as compelling as the eurosport feeds, but the portability is really good.

Vive le Tour !

[oldpotatoe]

Let's get the thread rolling and try keep this a fun lively one this year.

who are your pics for the running this year??

i'm going Froomie and Contadorio on the podium.

other favorites?

big upsets you're looking for??

stage most looked forward to??

I always have a bet with a lawyer I know. Winner just has to finish ahead of other guys pick, not necessarily GC. I have Froomie, he has Contador..I have a side bet that even Riche Porte will finish ahead of contador. If any pick pops, null and void.

[soulspinner]

I'm thinking it may be Quintana's time.

Im hoping hes ready. His time trialing has improved...............:crap:

[PQJ]

My heart wants Contador. My head says Froome is unbeatable. Sky - once again - has the best . . . um . . . training program.

[Sierra]

my heart wants contador. My head says froome is unbeatable. Sky - once again - has the best . . . Um . . . Training program.


+1

[Elefantino]

Just settled on my jersey picks, all boring:

Yellow: Froome
Green: Sagan
Polka dot: Rolland
White: Barguil

The only other prediction: Either TVG, or Porte, or both, will have at least one really bad day.

[guido]

I think Contador is going to be hungry given last years over extension. He was 95% ready at the Critérium du Dauphiné. I'd be shocked if he wasn't there in three weeks.

[MattTuck]

Betting Odds...

[Sierra]

Who laid down these odds? It wasn't the same bookies who said the Brexit would not take place, is it? :D

[MattTuck]

I think picking 4 & 5, will be more interesting than 1-3.

I'll be cheering for

Dumoulin
Rolland

[chazmtb]

I think it's who has the best team. For climbing, I'm going to say Movistar.

But Nairo has got to keep some pace with Froom in the TT.

[gary135r]

What's with the American hopefuls? Tejay Van Garderen I like to call the modern day George Hincapie. Everybody talks him up, but he hasn't done a thing, and Andrew Talansky was given the "honor" of leading his team for the Vuelta after his performance in the Tour de Suisse.

[jghall]

Froome or Quintana, or vice versa.

[adub]

Never to wish ill will on a fellow cyclist, but if Vincenzo Nibali happens to get a finger stuck in a support cars window sill whilst getting a tow and subsequently has to drop out because of a dislocated digit I would not lose any sleep..

[suissecheese]

On paper the vote should be on Froome, but I do think (or at least hope) that this is Quintana's year. Also Bardet is really starting to spin up, I think he's got a good chance of doing something impressive.

[CampyorBust]

Best qoute of the day today so far.... "He who shall not be named, Mr. Black sox himself....armstrong"

Don't like those attention whore neon kits of Tinkov one bit.

[vertebraille]

Alex Howes' sunglasses are super goofy and I want a pair...

[CampyorBust]

About to loose my sheeeet! YEAHHHHH CAAAVVV!!!!

Takes on all three Sagan, Kittel and Greipel and and spanks em good. Best sprint I have seen in a while! :banana:

[ceolwulf]

That was an awesome sprint :cool:

[gary135r]

About to loose my sheeeet! YEAHHHHH CAAAVVV!!!!

Takes on all three Sagan, Kittel and Greipel and and spanks em good. Best sprint I have seen in a while! :banana:
He had a perfect lead out with Sagan. Wonder if Kittel is all the way back.

[m_sasso]

Can't say the missile was the fastest, however defiantly outdistanced the others and still had some fuel at the end when Greipel and Sagan burnt out!

[gary135r]

Very nice ceremony at the end. Respect.

[jlwdm]

Can't say the missile was the fastest, however defiantly outdistanced the others and still had some fuel at the end when Greipel and Sagan burn out!

Really,

Seemed to clearly be the fastest. Although Sagan is a great rider he is not a sprinter in the TDF sense.

Jeff

[suissecheese]

Really,

Seemed to clearly be the fastest. Although Sagan is a great rider he is not a sprinter in the TDF sense.

Jeff

Couldn't believe my eyes today when it looked like Sagan was about to win it for a second, then even more surprised when Cav came around and beat em all.

But I think he got lucky that everyone else maybe went a little early, Cavendish is a quick guy but wouldn't bet on him against the three guys he msnsged to beat today.

[adub]

Glad to see Cav got one.

[MaraudingWalrus]

Hard to say I feel bad for Sagan, but I kinda feel bad for sagan for not getting help from the team to get the peloton closer to the break..

Also, looks like a rough day for Porte..

[MaraudingWalrus]

Oh my god.

[MaraudingWalrus]

That's gut wrenching for him. I guess I spoke too soon about Tinkoff not doing the work for Sagan.

[PQJ]

Well, that's the end of Contador's bid for yellow.

[Mzilliox]

awesome finish, gutsy riding from the German, strong finish from the rockstar

[kramnnim]

Poor Alaphilippe... Great finish.

[ultraman6970]

After seeing contador yesterday going tight teeth in the peloton for a fraction of a second before the accident, after seeing him today and after seeing danr crazy legs going uphill like nothing, Im happy im not in the game, because unless quintana (my fav) can pull up some incredible S...T! out of you know where, or something really weird happens this year; nobody will be able to stop froomey from getting another tittle.

BTW, m'i crazy or speeds went up this year??

[ultraman6970]

Get an accident as the one he got and I assure you, you would not be able to walk next day. I thought he was not going to start today, Ive had falls at 70km/h and those sucks, rash all over the place is not funny at all. Even when I saw his crash thought he was going to get a fractured shoulder.

Is well known for riders at this level do not recognize the injuries to the public as part of the plan, so well contaor could be racing with a hair fracture. Either way IMO AC race for the win is done, and froome wont let contador get glory from him at all.

I dont know if pozzovivo is in the peloton but in the 1st climb a guy like him was dropped big time.

Well, that's the end of Contador's bid for yellow.

[kramnnim]

awesome finish, gutsy riding from the German, strong finish from the rockstar

Stuyven is Belgian...

[jlwdm]

Stage 2 is the perfect example of how much bigger the TDF is than any other tour. Lots of races within the stage. No reason for Dimension Data to work hard at the front since they were going to lose yellow and then the teams that could win the stage and yellow posturing to see who would work at the front.

It sure looked like Stuyven would win, but the power of the TDF peloton is impressive.

I feel sorry for Porte as he just flatted at the wrong time.

Sagan rode a very smart sprint.

Quintana has ridden a great race staying in excellent position at all times.

Jeff

[denapista]

Contador is starting to remind me of AC, the year he came back and kept crashing. It's like father time has caught up with Alberto. It's the little things that are showing, like not staying 100% mentally focused... I mean the guy hit a damn island..

Didn't Lance crash out after his comeback in the same manner? Fast slide on his ass after hitting an island...

Where are the Sagan haters at? That guy can ride a bike!

[weisan]

Sagan put in an incredible effort today, reminiscent of the uphill finish stage at the 2015 Tour of California where he successfully defended the title against ....Alaphilippe.

[adub]

Looking forward to the Froome/Quintana mountain showdown.

[adub]

Where are the Sagan haters at? That guy can ride a bike!

There are Sagan haters?

Likely the toughest guy to hate..

[velotrack]

Bummer for Contador. 2 for 2, must be hard.
Great finish.

[regularguy412]

Sagan put in an incredible effort today, reminiscent of the uphill finish stage at the 2015 Tour of California where he successfully defended the title against ....Alaphilippe.

And also this pic --

It's been my wall paper since last World's. This is 'The Move'.

Mike in AR:beer:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914209&stc=1&d=1454035495

[AngryScientist]

great stage today IMO.

some tough riding out there. i can only imagine being in the break all day and grinding out a 14% climb trying to hold the field off 2km from the line.

good stuff say I.

[carpediemracing]

Didn't Lance crash out after his comeback in the same manner? Fast slide on his ass after hitting an island...

Lance rolled a tire. Worse, he rolled a base tape off one of those Hutchinsons that were aged and cost more or something like that.

Back in the day the only tubulars that I ever saw roll a basetape when new were Hutchinsons. I rode certain ones regularly before I started seeing them roll; the basetapes looked fuzzy and sort of raw if you will. The ones that didn't roll looked like any other good tubular.

[weisan]

I am still hunting for a picture of Sagan without his helmet or cap....want to see the latest iteration of his hairdo.:p

[carpediemracing]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914209&stc=1&d=1454035495[/IMG]

At Worlds I felt in my head that Sagan had the best chance of winning. However I thought that the guy that had a chance was Van Avermaet so I was rooting for Van Avermaet. I was out of my mind when Van Avermaet made his move. Then Sagan just dismantled him like he was nothing. That was a soul crushing move. Then Sagan made up for it after the finish, it was like a big club, it seemed like everyone was a Sagan fan, meaning all the riders. Boonen I think looked particularly psyched for Sagan, as did some other big names.

[carpediemracing]

Glad to see Cav got one.

+1

Not only that, he did it in an honest way if you will. He wasn't led out and dropped off like it was prom night. He was on the wheel, he watched Sagan go, jumped around whoever to get to Sagan, then moved hard when he had to. It looked like a regular sprint, not a rehearsal for a wedding.

[gary135r]

BMC seems cursed over the years.

[regularguy412]

At Worlds I felt in my head that Sagan had the best chance of winning. However I thought that the guy that had a chance was Van Avermaet so I was rooting for Van Avermaet. I was out of my mind when Van Avermaet made his move. Then Sagan just dismantled him like he was nothing. That was a soul crushing move. Then Sagan made up for it after the finish, it was like a big club, it seemed like everyone was a Sagan fan, meaning all the riders. Boonen I think looked particularly psyched for Sagan, as did some other big names.

Actually, I wasn't much of a Sagan fan until that move in the Worlds. I still don't put any rider up on a pedestal, but he has done some things that are really amazing -- like winning a spring classic when he was a marked man. The bike 'save' he made in a finale' where he slammed on the brakes, skidded sideways and still stayed up -- all while going 40+ miles per hour was pretty amazing. The gif of that is found at the link below. Spartacus did a dang good job of missing the carnage and staying upright, as well!

Mike in AR:beer:

https://j.gifs.com/wpZWlm.gif

[Mzilliox]

close finish to an otherwise dull day. Cavendish looks strong. Sagan still in great shape. when does froomey step it up?

[jr59]

close finish to an otherwise dull day. Cavendish looks strong. Sagan still in great shape. when does froomey step it up?

When the road goes up.

[CampyorBust]

Reelin' em in baby!

Ha ha, so sorry Greipel. Here have a banana...:banana:
https://youtu.be/U6k_h1_dRS0
Have two bananas...:banana::banana:
https://youtu.be/47bRNYv2KkA

[paredown]

A long but faster stage today--not like yesterday that someone tweeted that it was like watching one guy doing a long training ride, followed by a really large club ride. Sagan was joking that he was thinking about stopping for coffee like the old days...

Looked like Cav got boxed at the finish--but it was a good one! Nothing like a little uphill and a long straight to the finish to separate the men from the boys...

[Fivethumbs]

Yes, now I just DVR the race and fast forward to the last two minutes. Or why not change the rules so the sprinters sit it the bus and join the race in the last K?

[Tarzan59]

TeeJay, Nairo and Froome in that order.

[gary135r]

Yes, now I just DVR the race and fast forward to the last two minutes.
Fast forward a four hour DVR until the last two minutes? Either you kid (I suspect), or, you know, you can find video online that can do that for you.

[AngryScientist]

great sprint finish today.

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2014/09/07/2/marcel_kittel_happy_with_the_win_in_the_press_conf erence_490.jpg

[purpurite]

Too. Many. Commercials.



:eek:

[jlwdm]

TeeJay, Nairo and Froome in that order.

You lost me at Tejay. Something bad will happen to or for him.

Jeff

[Sierra]

"Texas, the greatest state of all . . . "

-- Lawson Craddock, during the TDF post-race on NBCS, with Bob, Christian, and What's-his-name. I guess he's said this so often he's actually come to believe it. I wish he'd drop the mindless mantra every time they asked him a question . . .


Yes, as always, too many commercials on NBC!

[MattTuck]

Do we post spoilers in this thread?

Today's winner.... glad to see him get the win after what happened earlier this year.

[jlwdm]

What a great stage for some smaller climbs. Movistar and Sky looked great.

Jeff

[AngryScientist]

Do we post spoilers in this thread?



yes, spoilers are OK in this thread. i will edit the title appropriately.

[malbecman]

Yes, a very nice win by Greg today...he deserved it after that breakaway.

The GC favorites were pretty solid.

Looks like Sagan really lost some time as well as the yellow jersey. He's like 18 minutes back right??

[jlwdm]

Yes, a very nice win by Greg today...he deserved it after that breakaway.

The GC favorites were pretty solid.

Looks like Sagan really lost some time as well as the yellow jersey. He's like 18 minutes back right??

It was a nice win for Greg, but I always have a tough time with teams with top overall riders spending energy winning stages and ending up having to do some defending of the yellow jersey.

Jeff

[MattTuck]

It was a nice win for Greg, but I always have a tough time with teams with top overall riders spending energy winning stages and ending up having to do some defending of the yellow jersey.

Jeff

Good thing BMC doesn't have any top overall riders ;) ZING!

[jlwdm]

Good thing BMC doesn't have any top overall riders ;) ZING!

I kind of agree. I think they will defend for a few days because they know their overall riders cannot win.

Jeff

[azrider]

Greg/BMC will give up yellow Saturday



http://src.media.cyclingnews.com/2016/06/01/1/tour_de_france_2016_stage_8_profile.jpg



If not Saturday, then for sure on Sunday


http://src.media.cyclingnews.com/2016/06/01/1/tour_de_france_2016_stage_9_profile.jpg

[jlwdm]

Greg/BMC will give up yellow Saturday


If not Saturday, then for sure on Sunday




Yes, going to be a tough weekend. Early in the race but I hope we see some attacks. Usually everybody rides pretty conservatively in the first mountains.

Jeff

[paredown]

I thought it was a nice piece of riding by Greg--you've got the legs, the bunch had misjudged and you are the last man standing of the breakaway...

He must have been feeling his oats--he finished over two and half minutes up on on de Gendt after dropping him...

Contador looked like he was hurting on the climbs, but Froomie and Quintana not so much.

I think that BMC can use Greg as the rabbit--the GC riders can't risk letting him go, and TJ and Ritchie can sit back and watch everyone else chase. That said, I don't know if either of them have what it will take to podium.

[jlwdm]

I thought it was a nice piece of riding by Greg--you've got the legs, the bunch had misjudged and you are the last man standing of the breakaway...

...

I think that BMC can use Greg as the rabbit--the GC riders can't risk letting him go, and TJ and Ritchie can sit back and watch everyone else chase. That said, I don't know if either of them have what it will take to podium.

I don't think the bunch misjudged. The top teams are glad to have BMC in yellow so that they have to work a little more the next two days. The sprinters teams will have to keep any breaks from getting to far away.

Greg doesn't worry anybody.

Jeff

[ultraman6970]

Sky team race to lose, hmmm doubt GVA will be able to make it pass sunday but the yellow jersay does miracles.

[jlwdm]

Sky team race to lose, hmmm doubt GVA will be able to make it pass sunday but the yellow jersay does miracles.

Sky and Movistar both look strong.

I am working in my home office tonight with the DVR running stage 5. Paul was talking about Cancellara's new Spartacus bike and that he picked it up and was amazed how light it was. Doesn't Paul know there has been a minimum weight limit since 2000?

Velonews on Stage 2 said that Porte was unlucky to flat just outside of 3k from the finish. It would not have mattered because there was no 3k rule on Stage 2.

Jeff

[weisan]

first time saw the actual crash recorded by a spectator.

A miracle and a courageous thing that he's still in the race, mere mortals would have hang up the bike long ago ...proves again, this is not just any race, it's the freakin Le Tour.

https://youtu.be/9YP0zQtAXkY

[weisan]

From the screen capture, looks like he was standing up to pedal coming out of the turn, that might have shifted the center of gravity...

[weisan]

And the BMC and Team Sky riders pilin on didn't help either...they have no where to go.

[ultraman6970]

Contador's front wheel slip then? For a dude that can actually handle the bike like him that was just a silly thing to happen, I saw yesterday's stage at night and hie shoulder is still bleeding, this guy might now be getting jack of sleep. As I heard yesterday in the TV, the only jersey for the grabs 4 tinkoff is the green one. Contador as it is right now is toasted.

As for the super pull of movistar yesterday, I would have left sky to do the whole work, you dont need anybody alive at that team when the big mountains starts.

[soulspinner]

From the screen capture, looks like he was standing up to pedal coming out of the turn, that might have shifted the center of gravity...

front wheel went out for some reason...looks at the last second he turned in more sharply but there must have been gravel or oil....

[AngryScientist]

super interesting interview, i thought with oleg tinkov post race today.

he had a lot to say, and held no punches, that's for sure.

[Mr. Pink]

super interesting interview, i thought with oleg tinkov post race today.

he had a lot to say, and held no punches, that's for sure.



Yes. Awesome interview. The booth is great this year. Kudos to the producers.

[mgm777]

See the Oleg Tinkov post-race interview on NBC today? No disrespect intended, as I don't know Mr. Tinkov personally, but to me, his persona is that of a Russian mobster. On the plus side, I found his remarks on sponsoring a pro-cycling team very enlightening. He says the model, in its current form, is not sustainable. His team, a "super team" of which there are only three or four in the peloton, costs in excess of $20M a year to run. When asked what he would advocate for to change the system, he said the UCI should get out of the business of Pro Cycling, and it should be run like professional football or baseball. He went on to advocate for global broadcast contracts negotiated with global networks and then have that revenue shared with the teams, as is done in the U.S. Oleg is a polarizing personality, for sure, but I found his remarks to be an interesting peek behind the scenes.

[AngryScientist]

Yes. Awesome interview. The booth is great this year. Kudos to the producers.

i agree. they're doing a great job and the post race interviews have been great. i think they took the criticism and made the show better and more watchable. IMO.

[Mr. Pink]

See the Oleg Tinkov post-race interview on NBC today? No disrespect intended, as I don't know Mr. Tinkov personally, but to me, his persona is that of a Russian mobster. On the plus side, I found his remarks on sponsoring a pro-cycling team very enlightening. He says the model, in its current form, is not sustainable. His team, a "super team" of which there are only three or four in the peloton, costs in excess of $20M a year to run. When asked what he would advocate for to change the system, he said the UCI should get out of the business of Pro Cycling, and it should be run like professional football or baseball. He went on to advocate for global broadcast contracts negotiated with global networks and then have that revenue shared with the teams, as is done in the U.S. Oleg is a polarizing personality, for sure, but I found his remarks to be an interesting peek behind the scenes.


I may be making quite the generalization here, but, I truly believe that any Russian who has climbed the ladder and attained that level of wealth in that country is, by the very nature of things, a mobster. His candor was extremely refreshing, though. He didn't make any friends today.

[mgm777]

I may be making quite the generalization here, but, I truly believe that any Russian who has climbed the ladder and attained that level of wealth in that country is, by the very nature of things, a mobster. His candor was extremely refreshing, though. He didn't make any friends today.

I agree. Especially his remarks at the end, advocating for more American money in the sport and saying "Europeans are worthless" in the context of the business end of pro cycling. I don't think Oleg is going to win any friends today, based on his post-race interview remarks. Fun to listen to and watch though.

[VTCaraco]

What did folks make of his comments on the power/speed that Cavendish is showing?
I recognize that he is a very opinionated guy with an obvious bias, but I also took him to be profoundly honest.
His comment on the profound capacity and improvement in Cavendish kicked up my suspicion in what has otherwise been a fairly confident/naive viewing.
I'm a little surprised that that aspect of the interview hasn't yet been mentioned.

[MattTuck]

What did folks make of his comments on the power/speed that Cavendish is showing?
I recognize that he is a very opinionated guy with an obvious bias, but I also took him to be profoundly honest.
His comment on the profound capacity and improvement in Cavendish kicked up my suspicion in what has otherwise been a fairly confident/naive viewing.
I'm a little surprised that that aspect of the interview hasn't yet been mentioned.

I didn't watch it, but I heard the other day that Cavendish has been doing a totally different preparation for the olympics, compared to his normal road racing prep. I think he is heavier too, but not 100% sure.

[Duende]

Am I missing something? I have the NBC gold iphone app, and I've found the amount of post race interviews to be severely lacking. Lot's of rambling commentary over the same scenic helicopter shot landscape footage.. It's like they cut to the same landscape clips every two minutes.

Eurosport has to be better.

[cachagua]

[Tinkoff] said the UCI should get out of the business of Pro Cycling, and it should be run like professional football or baseball.

This is pretty far afield from the Tour, but I guess there's a difference between the way the UCI oversees cycling and the way the NFL oversees football, or what have you? If someone in the know could briefly lay out the distinction for me, that'd help put his suggestion in context -- thanks.

[paredown]

See the Oleg Tinkov post-race interview on NBC today? No disrespect intended, as I don't know Mr. Tinkov personally, but to me, his persona is that of a Russian mobster. On the plus side, I found his remarks on sponsoring a pro-cycling team very enlightening. He says the model, in its current form, is not sustainable. His team, a "super team" of which there are only three or four in the peloton, costs in excess of $20M a year to run. When asked what he would advocate for to change the system, he said the UCI should get out of the business of Pro Cycling, and it should be run like professional football or baseball. He went on to advocate for global broadcast contracts negotiated with global networks and then have that revenue shared with the teams, as is done in the U.S. Oleg is a polarizing personality, for sure, but I found his remarks to be an interesting peek behind the scenes.

I'd love to see global rights handled by Eurosport for example, so I wouldn't have to rely on hacked versions of their stream.

I was reasonably happy with OLN and even the first while with NBC, but now I can't watch without paying extra, for coverage that is crap...

[54ny77]

i'd venture a guess that anyone who personally writes checks with lots of zeroes in them year after year to sponsor that goofy fringe thing called bike racing can say whatever the heck they want.

ever hear of a guy named mark cuban?

same thing, different sport.

keeps things lively, that's for sure.

[astrov]

Am I missing something? I have the NBC gold iphone app, and I've found the amount of post race interviews to be severely lacking. Lot's of rambling commentary over the same scenic helicopter shot landscape footage.. It's like they cut to the same landscape clips every two minutes.

Eurosport has to be better.

I also signed up for the NBC Sports Gold option and it has kinks that need to be worked out. The stage previews in particular are really worthless.

[Mr. Pink]

I agree. Especially his remarks at the end, advocating for more American money in the sport and saying "Europeans are worthless" in the context of the business end of pro cycling. I don't think Oleg is going to win any friends today, based on his post-race interview remarks. Fun to listen to and watch though.

Funny, though, after thinking about it, his view of western and particularly American capitalism and sports ownership was strangely skewed by his oligarchy perspective. Note how he was calling out the "hedge fund guys" to get involved, American hedgies, to save the sport. He used the term twice. Like, why would a hedgie get involved in that sport? Not many hedgies get involved in American teams, unless you bend your definition of what a hedgie is. Hey, Cubans got a lot of money, and he invests it well, I suppose, but that's not really running a fund. Running a fund is 24/7 hard work and smarts. Russia doesn't have real hedge funds, because it isn't a free market. They launder their money in the west.
Also, he obviously salivates at the American TV market, as he should. Well, two things. What Lance giveth, Lance taketh away. That marginal sport is doomed for at least another decade in America, even if a young American rises up to yellow. They have to prove that drugs have finally been banished, and that will take time. Once burned, twice shy. Or, burned ten times, well......
And he seems to think the golden pot of sports money, mainly TV money, will continue to grow and grow. That might be hitting a wall, although just the other day I read that very marginal NBA free agents are commanding absurd contracts this year, after ESPN and TNT signed a major contract with the league. Absurd. And we also live in a the time of 270 pound infielders making a kings ransom n baseball. But I am experiencing what may be the beginning of all that ending. I'm a Comcast customer in the NYC area, which means, for the first time in my life, I cannot watch the Yankees, because Comcast refused to acquiesce to the teams demand for a 30% increase in fees! which , duh, will then be passed on to every customer on basic packages in the system. Like your grandma. Or, you, who might care less about the Yankees. A pundit on Bloomberg told me last month that everybody, that's everybody in America who has cable, pays 6 bucks a month for ESPN. Customers who could care less about football, basketball, baseball, or even collegiate girls softball. Remember that the next time you pay that bill. Personally, although I've been following the Yankees for 55 years, I'm behind Comcast with this. Good for them. This has to stop, sooner or later, and it will. Now, that's the kind of environment Tinkoff thinks will make cyclists as rich as, maybe, F1 drivers. Nope, don't think so. There's only so much blood to get out of that stone.

[druptight]

Seems like it's going to shape up to be an interesting day!

[jr59]

What the heck? I have never seen that

[notsew]

What the heck? I have never seen that

What, this (http://streamable.com/2inx)?

or this (https://streamable.com/ap9r)?

[Elefantino]

Cavendish was unavailable for the podium so they used a miniature as a stand-in today.

[OtayBW]

Cavendish was unavailable for the podium so they used a miniature as a stand-in today.
Haha! Mini-Mark!

[Saint Vitus]

What, this (http://streamable.com/2inx)?

or this (https://streamable.com/ap9r)?

Hahahaha! I told a guy here at work who watches religiously but doesn't want spoilers (so I give him daily teasers) that a bomb dropped @ 1K!

[Pelican]

For those of you questioning why Cav's back on top of the sprint game, here's some (Dimension) Data (http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/07/tour-de-france/slowest-man-won-thursdays-sprint_413832).

Experience counts.

[OtayBW]

^ That's a fantastic analysis!

[CampyorBust]

Cavendish was unavailable for the podium so they used a miniature as a stand-in today.

I always knew the Anunnaki were real.;) Meow who gave Cav some Romanesco Broccoli/Broccoflower instead of flowers?
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/vasdesade/AnunnakiWarrior.jpg

Does anyone know where I can see that Tinkov interview?

[cadence90]

.... ..
.

[CampyorBust]

http://www.nbcsports.com/video/oleg-tinkov-peter-sagan-future-owner

Grazie mille:beer:

[Bostic]

For those of you questioning why Cav's back on top of the sprint game, here's some (Dimension) Data (http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/07/tour-de-france/slowest-man-won-thursdays-sprint_413832).

Experience counts.

Was Marcel riding this bike with the drag-inducing exposed brake cable? ;)

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/venge_vias_paint.jpg

[malbecman]

For those of you questioning why Cav's back on top of the sprint game, here's some (Dimension) Data (http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/07/tour-de-france/slowest-man-won-thursdays-sprint_413832).

Experience counts.


VERY oool analysis, thanks. Experience and positioning really do count.......

[jlwdm]

I thought Nibali might have intentionally lost enough time that the peloton would let him go after the polka dot jersey this weekend. Turns out he seems to be cooked. I never believed for a minute that he was only at the Tour to support Aru.

Jeff

[54ny77]

Cav can win without a train. He's like Robbie McEwen, but faster.

VERY oool analysis, thanks. Experience and positioning really do count.......

[cadence90]

.... ..
.

[ultraman6970]

Tracker guy type of riding.

Well nibali looks like is dead but remember what happened at the giro, the problem is that a lot of other climbers that are well better positioned than he is.

If any team wants to win this race they need to get rid off Geraint Thomas.

Who you guys think will got get time over Froome tomorrow? van avermat again? Valverde?? Porte???

[54ny77]

Loved loved loved watching McEwen come literally out of nowhere and win, picking off the best of the bunch. The more chaotic the better, he was always THERE. Cav can do it too, but he seems to prefers the trains. The dude gets sooooooooooo low and aero, and that matched with his power.....he's tough to beat when he's on. Kelly commented exactly that the other day, I think he called Kittel a sail in comparison. Cav's head was barely above his stem when sprinting, so compact and explosive power.


He really seems pretty amazing at selecting and finding which wheels to follow.
I don't know the least thing about bunch sprints, but when he's on I do like watching him pick through the lines...follow, jump...follow, jump...follow, jump...burst, win. It looks very elegant, and brutally precise.

[jlwdm]

Tracker guy type of riding.

Well nibali looks like is dead but remember what happened at the giro, the problem is that a lot of other climbers that are well better positioned than he is.

If any team wants to win this race they need to get rid off Geraint Thomas.

Who you guys think will got get time over Froome tomorrow? van avermat again? Valverde?? Porte???

Nibali is done - this is not the Giro. He does not have it and. Here he is riding against much stronger riders and teams.

The only reason Van Avermaet is in the lead is that he doesn't matter. Letting him go two days in a row shows how little he matters. He could get in a break again today and no one would care.

The Tourmalet is such a great climb but being early in the stage it probably will not be very decisive. Probably all of the leaders riding together until the last climb. This is a day for someone who doesn't matter to go out to get some mountain points.

Jeff

[bikinchris]

That video NBC SN showed of the 1K kite falling is scary. Yates could have been killed as well as the Mavic support people.
TdF needs to police their equipment better.

Edited to fix the fricking auto correct. It waits until I move on to other parts of the document to sneak a switch. I shoot Nikon and it switches it to Nixon every time.

[oldpotatoe]

That video NBC SN showed of the 1K kite falling is scary. Yates could have been killed as well as the Magic support people.
TdF needs to police their equipment better.

Does it have 'structure' or is it just an inflated thing.

[guido]

They are inflated. A spectator kicked the power cord for the air pump just as the group was coming in.

[Mr. Pink]

That video NBC SN showed of the 1K kite falling is scary. Yates could have been killed as well as the Magic support people.
TdF needs to police their equipment better.

Oh, you know some meetings were held about better policing after that one. But, imagine how difficult that is, considering. They're just simply going to have to cut back on ...... Stuff. My buddy has seen a few stages, and he tells me how impressed he was of all the logistics of setting up and breaking down that circus. Surprised this is the first incident.

[oldpotatoe]

The yellow jersey, just lost the yellow jersey(8 minutes back)....one climb to go..beautiful warm day.

stream here.

http://tiz-cycling.racing/live-stream

[bikinchris]

They are inflated. A spectator kicked the power cord for the air pump just as the group was coming in.

Phil said the spectator tried to squeeze past the generator and his belt pulled the cord.

[CampyorBust]

Phil said the spectator tried to squeeze past the generator and his belt pulled the cord.

That does it no more belts! Yoga pants and Lycra for everbody, lets see them sexy thighs spectators!

[guido]

Tubular failure on the descent for Jumbo Lotto. Ouch...

[oldpotatoe]

Tubular failure on the descent for Jumbo Lotto. Ouch...

yup, wrench finding a new job...:eek:

[CampyorBust]

Another great one from Sean Kelly….chewbular tires :D ROFL

[bikinchris]

Froome has a nice left cross to the chin of a chicken man running too close to the group.

[oldpotatoe]

Froomie could't look weirder on a bike...except-down hill, pedaling while sitting on top tube..no points for style..:cool:

yeegads..taking some chances..I guess his wrench didn't learn out to glue tubies on from Lotto..

[Onno]

Yes, everything about this final descent is weird. I've never seen that style before, and you'd never have thought it would make sense to make such an attack.

[bobswire]

Obviously Froome has been practicing this move and it's working, Kudo to him. I never expected him to he aggressive downhill.

[jlwdm]

Obviously Froome has been practicing this move and it's working, Kudo to him. I never expected him to he aggressive downhill.

+100

Seems like a crazy move but it makes him more likable. Dangerous looking position especially when he pedals so fast.

Jeff

[guido]

Devastating victory by Froome

[Onno]

Hats off. Totally gutsy and original move.

[bobswire]

+100

Seems like a crazy move but it makes him more likable. Dangerous looking position especially when he pedals so fast.

Jeff

He was releasing his Sagan'ism. :) When he went to the front going down I thought *TF is he doing. If he keeps this up he'll become a very popular rider indeed.

[Tickdoc]

Heck my wife even liked that finish. Exciting stuff and congrats on a gutsy descent.

[CampyorBust]

"Face of a choirboy (Richie Cunningham), mind of an assassin" ah yup!

[PaMtbRider]

So much for those who say watching Froome is boring

[enr1co]

+100

Seems like a crazy move but it makes him more likable. Dangerous looking position especially when he pedals so fast.

Jeff

That aero tuck position looks scary when any one is doing it - pedaling while in it is even scarier. Thought he was going to crash himself out but the gamble paid off.

[regularguy412]

I couldn't figure out why, with all those other guys in the chasing group, a better (read: more powerful) descender wouldn't come to the front. I get it that they wanted Movistar and Quintana to do the work, but the choice to allow that ultimately caused all of them to lose out.

Tomorrow gonna be interesting.

Mike in AR:beer:

[soulspinner]

I couldn't figure out why, with all those other guys in the chasing group, a better (read: more powerful) descender wouldn't come to the front. I get it that they wanted Movistar and Quintana to do the work, but the choice to allow that ultimately caused all of them to lose out.

Tomorrow gonna be interesting.

Mike in AR:beer:

Ya. I cant wait...........

[KJMUNC]

The chase group seemed to be looking at one another with an eye to tomorrow....I think none of them wanted to be the guy to haul back Froome, as whoever did that wasn't going to get the time bonus, but would expend a ton of energy. But in the end they all lost and that's a big chunk of time to give up to a rider like Froome.

Ballsy move, but we'll see how it impacts him tomorrow. Nairo and TVG better start thinking offensively if they're going to claw that back.

[Mr. Pink]

Has anybody ever seen somebody pedal in a extreme tuck like that?

[ultraman6970]

Just watching the last 18 km, dont understand how is posible that BMC with 2 riders, and other teams with people in the group did not want to take a single pull to catch Froome, the tour is gone IMO. 10 guys vs 1, incredible and BMC pulling like 2 km to go... duh!

The one that screwed up was quintana because instead of just sprint to catch him he move aside for somebody to pull him down, valverde sure is not happy at all....


After this, he deserves the yellow. Race is over, tomorrow he will attack going uphill...

[victoryfactory]

Froome showed the soul of a champion today. Just amazing. Plus his inner Badger came out vs the chicken. ( He'll probably get a fine, no?)
what a performance!

VF

ps:
Did you notice Froome's longer than usual podium chat with Hinault? Bet they were talking about the chicken!

[harlond]

When Froome accelerated to take the KOM points from Majka on the Val Louron, I thought it was a d$&@ move. But it perfectly set up his burst on the Peyresourde. I don't know if he planned or fell into it, but that's as canny racing as I've ever seen.

[MadRocketSci]

that's gotta burn the quads...even when not pedaling...mighta burned a match there, but still a ballsy move.

Perfect descent to do it on too, if you know where the 2-3 tight turns are....

There's some great climbing up there to Peyragudes they should detour to one of these years...

[Mzilliox]

had to leave with 17k left to go or so... any videos of the froome performance?

[BdaGhisallo]

Has anybody ever seen somebody pedal in a extreme tuck like that?

The first guy I ever saw do that was Matej Mohorič on his way to winning the 2013 U23 World Road title in Florence. Check the clip starting at about the 8 min mark.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw8tmMAoXJs

[ultraman6970]

steephill tv there is a video starting at 18km to go, like a mile before the top of the hill.

had to leave with 17k left to go or so... any videos of the froome performance?

[Mzilliox]

just watched, wow, caught the boys sleeping at the top there, and that pedal style was crazy, i'm gonna try that in the hills soon. what an attack, that was some fun racing. he put a lot of power out as he crested the hill, this dude is a beast

[CPP]

Just watching the last 18 km, dont understand how is posible that BMC with 2 riders, and other teams with people in the group did not want to take a single pull to catch Froome, the tour is gone IMO. 10 guys vs 1, incredible and BMC pulling like 2 km to go... duh!

The one that screwed up was quintana because instead of just sprint to catch him he move aside for somebody to pull him down, valverde sure is not happy at all....


After this, he deserves the yellow. Race is over, tomorrow he will attack going uphill...

If the Giro and Nibali proved anything, it's that it ain't over till it's over!!

[ultraman6970]

U are right but see what happens tomorrow, attack going up this time and seal the week with a blow to the other riders mind. IMO Psychologically he is ahead of every body.

Well 2 weeks to go, wonder who will take the bull by the horns and do something epic tomorrow to stop froomey.

[bobswire]

No one was going to catch him.

Quote:
Of course, it’s not as if nothing was planned. The team that leaves nothing to chance did so again. Froome had a 54-tooth big ring on his Pinarello, installed just in case he was dropped in the final meters of the Peyresourde and had to chance back on, he said. Turns out it was quite useful for the opposite maneuver, too.

Froome used that big chainring to hit just over 90kph (56mph) on the descent into Bagneres-de-Luchon. He sat on his top tube and pedaled — a maneuver dubbed the Pedaling Supertuck by Tim Johnson — and pulled away from Alejandro Valverde, who led the group behind and is known as one of the best descenders in the peloton.


Read more at http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/07/tour-de-france/expect-the-unexpected_414005#Pl0A3qxUAXWdmz8E.99

[jlwdm]

Froome really caught everyone by surprise today, but his lead is small and we have not seen enough climbing to see who is really strong. Quintana looks good and there are quite a few riders that still have a chance.

If I had to pick I would sure pick Froome though.

Jeff

[enr1co]

Looking forward to seeing Movistar/Quintana go on the offensive tomorrow. They cant just wait until the Alps as last year.

Also looking forward to Froome taking out more over zealous fans :)

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hi728gi0aVE/hqdefault.jpg

[Seramount]

Froome showed the soul of a champion today. Plus his inner Badger came out vs the chicken. (He'll probably get a fine, no?)

if there's a fine, I'll send him a buck to help cover it.

when spectators impede the racers' lines, there's nothing wrong with delivering a gentle reminder to not be an oblivious dumbarse.

[malbecman]

I was impressed by his descent today...I really didnt ever think of him as
a great descender before this.

[Climb01742]

No one was going to catch him.

Quote:
Of course, it’s not as if nothing was planned. The team that leaves nothing to chance did so again. Froome had a 54-tooth big ring on his Pinarello, installed just in case he was dropped in the final meters of the Peyresourde and had to chance back on, he said. Turns out it was quite useful for the opposite maneuver, too.

Froome used that big chainring to hit just over 90kph (56mph) on the descent into Bagneres-de-Luchon. He sat on his top tube and pedaled — a maneuver dubbed the Pedaling Supertuck by Tim Johnson — and pulled away from Alejandro Valverde, who led the group behind and is known as one of the best descenders in the peloton.


Read more at http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/07/tour-de-france/expect-the-unexpected_414005#Pl0A3qxUAXWdmz8E.99

Thanks for finding this. It confirms what I was thinking as I watched him pedal while descending...he has to have a 54 on there. As they said on TV afterwards, this was something Froome practiced. You don't just wake up one day being able to hold that tuck_and_pedal like a madman. Kudos to him and Sky for doing the recon, seeing the opportunity, practicing the skill, and putting a 54 on his bike. Sky really does dot every 'i' and cross every 't'. Wasn't a big Froome fan, but gotta give him props for today.

[Shoeman]

If the Giro and Nibali proved anything, it's that it ain't over till it's over!!

It ain't over till the Fat Lady Sings!!!!!!!!!!
Although with that performance today it is looking rather bleak for the rest of them. Their only hope would be a mechanical failure, him getting sick or a crash of some sort. If they can keep it close they'll have a slight chance. Team and Frooooomee look pretty strong at this point.

[Jgrooms]

Looking forward to seeing Movistar/Quintana go on the offensive tomorrow. They cant just wait until the Alps as last year.



Also looking forward to Froome taking out more over zealous fans :)



https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hi728gi0aVE/hqdefault.jpg


Rocked the dude pretty good!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-fined-for-lashing-out-at-spectator-in-tour-de-france/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jlwdm]

Thanks for finding this. It confirms what I was thinking as I watched him pedal while descending...he has to have a 54 on there. As they said on TV afterwards, this was something Froome practiced. You don't just wake up one day being able to hold that tuck_and_pedal like a madman. Kudos to him and Sky for doing the recon, seeing the opportunity, practicing the skill, and putting a 54 on his bike. Sky really does dot every 'i' and cross every 't'. Wasn't a big Froome fan, but gotta give him props for today.

I enjoyed the interview with Geraint Thomas after the stage. He was asked if he was surprised the kinds of risks that Froome took on the descent. Thomas responded that Froome takes bigger risks than that in training - he is a bit of a nut case when it comes to that.

Jeff

[weisan]

.

[kramnnim]

Where are the "Froome is a boring robot" guys now?

[MattTuck]

That fan he punched was a Colombian, right? I think he had a Colombian flag...

Nothing like punching a fan of your principle competitor, even if he was too close! Guess the rivalry just got turned up.

[bikinchris]

Personally, I think they should tazer and hog tie any "fan" who runs along side the riders or even gets out too far into the road. Leave them tied up on the side of the road for a few hours.

[Elefantino]

That fan he punched was a Colombian, right? I think he had a Colombian flag...

Nothing like punching a fan of your principle competitor, even if he was too close! Guess the rivalry just got turned up.
In the 2001 Giro, Wladimir Belli was sitting third on GC behind Gilberto Simoni as they hit the final climb. One of Simoni's nephews got a little too cheeky with Belli, who socked the kid in the jaw.

Belli was ejected.

[fiamme red]

Of course, it’s not as if nothing was planned. The team that leaves nothing to chance did so again. Froome had a 54-tooth big ring on his Pinarello, installed just in case he was dropped in the final meters of the Peyresourde and had to chance back on, he said. Turns out it was quite useful for the opposite maneuver, too.

Froome used that big chainring to hit just over 90kph (56mph) on the descent into Bagneres-de-Luchon.Keeping cog size and cadence the same, there's very little difference between a 54t and 53t chainring -- less than 1 mph.

In order to reach 56mph by pedaling in a 54/11 or 53/11, he would have to be doing 145-150 rpm. Possible, but not likely, especially since he was in such an inefficient position for fast pedaling. It was his aerodynamic position that allowed him to reach that speed, not his 54t chainring.

[spiderwj]

Personally, I think they should tazer and hog tie any "fan" who runs along side the riders or even gets out too far into the road. Leave them tied up on the side of the road for a few hours.


Agreed. Fans should stay off the paved road and allow the race to use it. The race is dangerous enough with the motorcycles and caravans of team cars, the race doesn't need fans making it even smaller. I love the number of fans at races but some of them a ridiculous and can change the outcome of the race. I guess it all really boils down to just being respectful.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[adub]

Best 200 Swiss Francs Froome has spent in a while I bet!

[oldpotatoe]

Keeping cog size and cadence the same, there's very little difference between a 54t and 53t chainring -- less than 1 mph.

In order to reach 56mph by pedaling in a 54/11 or 53/11, he would have to be doing 145-150 rpm. Possible, but not likely, especially since he was in such an inefficient position for fast pedaling. It was his aerodynamic position that allowed him to reach that speed, not his 54t chainring.

Reality, what a concept..for those who 'think' they need a 11t rather than a 16 or 18t..:rolleyes:

Holy crap, Sagan leading the breakaway up hill!!

stream here again..

http://tiz-cycling.racing/live-stream

Contador sick..fever..

[oldpotatoe]

Contador abandones..too bad-sick

[guido]

Contador is out... Suffering a fever overnight.

Pity.

[Climb01742]

Keeping cog size and cadence the same, there's very little difference between a 54t and 53t chainring -- less than 1 mph.

In order to reach 56mph by pedaling in a 54/11 or 53/11, he would have to be doing 145-150 rpm. Possible, but not likely, especially since he was in such an inefficient position for fast pedaling. It was his aerodynamic position that allowed him to reach that speed, not his 54t chainring.

So Team Sky put the 54 on there for some reason. They don't do anything just for the hell of it. May be for only for a small gain but odds are they tested it in training.

[ultraman6970]

Remember that when I was racing we look to the changes in the other riders bikes, and a 54 chainring is noticeable big time.

To me yesterday the only rider that screwed up was Quintana, that second of indecision cost him the race.

[CampyorBust]

If Domoulin spanked that star spangled banner would that be illegal or on par with Sagan’s butt pinching?

Another great day from Froome the Broom!

[rohan]

No lions on this year's tour?

Update: Lion spotted. I thought the stage winner got the lion, not the overall leader.

[Saint Vitus]

F'ing hail!!!

[Steelman]

Bob Martin does a great job of summarizing each stage with regards to changes in time, position, points, etc.

http://bobmartin.name/cycling/

[Michael Maddox]

Contador abandones..too bad-sick

Maybe I'm the only one, but GOOD. Just don't like him. Not one bit.

[cadence90]

.... ..
.

[Red Tornado]

The Sky/Froome victory lap around France has begun, barring a major crash. I believe there's still a battle for Polka-Dot, Green & White going on.
Nothing against Froome, I had the same attitude during the Lance years. The team is doing the right things to win, but it's not very exciting for the fans. For me personally, having the race basically won before the half-way point waters it down considerably The Giro/Vuelta are more unpredictable than the Tour, with regards to GC racing.

[jlwdm]

The Sky/Froome victory lap around France has begun, barring a major crash. I believe there's still a battle for Polka-Dot, Green & White going on.
Nothing against Froome, I had the same attitude during the Lance years. The team is doing the right things to win, but it's not very exciting for the fans. For me personally, having the race basically won before the half-way point waters it down considerably The Giro/Vuelta are more unpredictable than the Tour, with regards to GC racing.

I thought it was exciting today. Movistar sending 4 riders up the road on the first climb was interesting- seemed like they had a plan. Having Valverde in the break killed the break though. I still can't figure out what the plan was though. The two riders up the road never did anything to help Quintana. And Quitana was never put in trouble but he never attacked. Confusing.

I would not bet against Froome, but Porte, Martin and others ride really well and were not afraid to attack over and over again.

Jeff

[Joxster]

They needed to hit froome over and over on the climb, there was an opportunity to crack him today as he looked fragile with about 7km to go

[oldpotatoe]

The Sky/Froome victory lap around France has begun, barring a major crash. I believe there's still a battle for Polka-Dot, Green & White going on.
Nothing against Froome, I had the same attitude during the Lance years. The team is doing the right things to win, but it's not very exciting for the fans. For me personally, having the race basically won before the half-way point waters it down considerably The Giro/Vuelta are more unpredictable than the Tour, with regards to GC racing.

Not exciting? Ya did see Froomie pedaling whilst sitting on his top tube?? Plus less than a minute behind for how many? The fat lady hasn't even woken up from her nap. It's not even close to being a closed book. Not like when Indurain was 8 minutes up with 9 stages to go.....

[blakcloud]

Maybe I'm the only one, but GOOD. Just don't like him. Not one bit.Like him or not, I thought he looked humble as he abandoned the race this morning. With a wave to the camera and the look on his face, it got me liking him.

[suissecheese]

The Sky/Froome victory lap around France has begun, barring a major crash. I believe there's still a battle for Polka-Dot, Green & White going on.
Nothing against Froome, I had the same attitude during the Lance years. The team is doing the right things to win, but it's not very exciting for the fans. For me personally, having the race basically won before the half-way point waters it down considerably The Giro/Vuelta are more unpredictable than the Tour, with regards to GC racing.

Agreeing with most of the others on this, there's a ton of contenders really close to froome. Tenth place is only at a minute, everything could so easily be shuffled in one stage...

And not to mention Sky actually riding an exciting race, that downhill attack was ridiculous and caught the others sleeping. So really the only reason they're in yellow is because the other contenders let it happen.

[ultraman6970]

As Duncan my Dundonian friend could say... "No 'Effy Well" (took me like a month to understand the mofo heheheh)... well this is the thing, I do agree with you, they had the chance to crack him but is not that easy just go for it to let the other guys to pass you around after your coffin you know :) And pretty much thats the biggest problem, everybody has their own agenda, so that idea of trying attack after attack was not going to work very well.

Today the spaniards sent people ahead but clearly quintana was dead. Valverde died yesterday IMO (thanks mr Quintana for not jumping to Froomeys wheel when you should) so movistar no matter how much tried in their heads, clearly they did not have the legs to get time back from froomey. Said it a few days ago, stop pulling like maniacs... duh!

Dan Martin and Porte are the only ones that IMO tried something seriously and porte pulled hard just to avoid having Froome to attack, what else is he going to do? Dan Martin I think got Froome in problems like for 5 or 10 minutes, those changes in pacing got him bad but Froome did well, I dont like the guy but you have to agree Crazy Crane Froome is doing great.

Hope nibali and aru wake up later on with an epic stage win to safe their Tour.


They needed to hit froome over and over on the climb, there was an opportunity to crack him today as he looked fragile with about 7km to go

[ultraman6970]

BTW... this is for the spanish speakers... this TdF colombian broadcasting sounds just like a Soccer game broadcasting :) quite interesting, with radio commercials and everything :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQfqKvg2qI0

[fiamme red]

BTW... this is for the spanish speakers... this TdF colombian broadcasting sounds just like a Soccer game broadcasting :) quite interesting, with radio commercials and everything :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQfqKvg2qI0Their enthusiasm is infectious. I just wish I understood Spanish. :)

[BobO]

Quintana is doing it right. If he went deep in the Pyrenees, it would leave him vulnerable and Sky and Froome would crush him on Ventoux, still having to chase, leaving him hopelessly compromised in week three. He's playing it cool and smart leaving his attacks for week three. Keep it inside 45 seconds or so and he can own Froome in the Alps, in theory.

[Michael Maddox]

I'd rather see him healthy and in it than sick and out.

"Sick" = "not doping"

[victoryfactory]

Grateful for the rest day. I need to recover!

VF

[cadence90]

.... ..
.

[Red Tornado]

I sure hope you guys are right. I'll concede the racing has been pretty good, but they're now chasing the same guy - again. Time to attack Froome will only get shorter with each stage and he's good against the clock, so I don't see Quintana taking back any time in the TT's. He had a chance to attack Froome yesterday towards the end when the other guys were doing it.
My fear is now that Froome has the jersey, he & teamies will ride just hard enough to hang onto it, be it only a small lead at this point. He is smart enough to attack if he can take additional time, and I'm not so sure the other guys are ready to ride as an opportunist like that if need be.
Still think if they can bad together and take turns working Froome/Sky over anything's possible but I don't see that happening with this group of guys/teams, and Sky is just good enough to keep ahead of the few guys that might try something. Afraid if this goes on for enough stages, the rest will be content to race for 2nd.

Just would be more entertaining to see some lead changes/fireworks among the true contenders, a'la the Giro's as of late. Again, nothing personal against Froome & Co. They're doing what they need to do and doing it well.

[Michael Maddox]

Apparently only if one is Spanish or Italian, though.
English, American, etc.? Then "good" = "great competitor" = "really on form" = "really, not doping", it seems. :rolleyes:

Not necessarily. You just haven't got me started.

[enr1co]

Some fun Froome and other really cool cycling prints by

http://michaelvalenti.com/product/frooming-original-cycling-art/

http://michaelvalenti.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Frooming_product.jpg

http://michaelvalenti.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Froome-Dreams_product.jpg

[rustychisel]

Some fun Froome and other really cool cycling prints by



Nice, captures the essential features.

Saw this stick insect [Pierre Rolland] the other day and the photo makes him look 15kg larger than he is. This is not a fit sporting role model, he instantly reminded me of 'chicken' Rasmussen.

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Le+Tour+de+France+2016+Stage+Nine+2oBQIIi2HSFl.jpg

[oldpotatoe]

Nice, captures the essential features.

Saw this stick insect [Pierre Rolland] the other day and the photo makes him look 15kg larger than he is. This is not a fit sporting role model, he instantly reminded me of 'chicken' Rasmussen.

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Le+Tour+de+France+2016+Stage+Nine+2oBQIIi2HSFl.jpg

It's that giganto helmet that makes him look so small. :D

[soulspinner]

"Sick" = "not doping"

He was sick b4 the tour and crashed twice. :bike:

[CampyorBust]

Weavin it!

What a joy to watch!:hello:

Was that Lindsay Lohan interviewing Edvald Boasson Hagen?

[Jgrooms]

Nice, captures the essential features.



Saw this stick insect [Pierre Rolland] the other day and the photo makes him look 15kg larger than he is. This is not a fit sporting role model, he instantly reminded me of 'chicken' Rasmussen.



http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Le+Tour+de+France+2016+Stage+Nine+2oBQIIi2HSFl.jpg



What is it to you what he looks like? Sporting role model? If that's the power to weight ratio it takes, wth are you or anyone to judge?




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[rustychisel]

What is it to you what he looks like? Sporting role model? If that's the power to weight ratio it takes, wth are you or anyone to judge?




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I believe I'm entitled to an opinion... with the greatest of respect to you. I saw in another thread someone compared Voeckler to specific female anatomy, which I believe to be well out of order.

Yes, role model. A 'major player' in the most famous cycling event worldwide. Rolland is an [emaciated] role model, Froome is a role model, Virenque was a role model. Even [ahem] LA was a role model.

[Jgrooms]

^ respectfully, I don't believe he is unhealthy. I don't think the necessary bmi required of a grand tour competitor is a reflection of their status as role models.

In a society where 50%+ are obese, is their appearance shocking, certainly.




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[bobswire]

I like how Sagan initiated the move and Froome joined in,I like this version of Froome.

[MaraudingWalrus]

This is the best breakaway I've ever seen. It's hilarious and amazing.

[kramnnim]

Once again, where are the "Froome is a boring robot" people? :banana:

[bobswire]

This has been one of the best tours I've seen since the Open PED days.:hello:

[guido]

Wow! Certainly an interesting race... Froome must really be afraid of Quintana in the mountains.

[kramnnim]

Wow! Certainly an interesting race... Froome must really be afraid of Quintana in the mountains.

Or maybe he just knows a good opportunity when he sees one.

[cloudguy]

Or maybe he just knows a good opportunity when he sees one.

Or maybe he waisted a few precious matches to gain a dozen or so seconds, while ensuring Sagan got the win. In any event, I thought it was a gutsy move and like him more for it, though I still can't get over his neurotic head bobble and hope Nairo sticks it to him at some point.

[Jgrooms]

12 seconds is nothing. But the soul crushing dominance of it is everything. Hardly the move of someone who is "scared" of Q. And he could care less abt stage win. The move of a champion, no matter what he looks like on a bike!


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[FlashUNC]

A move of total fear by Froome.

His team started to come apart at the seams in week 3 of the Tour last year, but that multi-minute cushion made it largely moot. That won't be the case this year.

Froome had to do it, because the Alps loom, and I imagine some part of him knows he doesn't have a prayer if Quintana starts really getting after it uphill.

[crankles]

I like how Sagan initiated the move and Froome joined in,I like this version of Froome.

me too. I'm quietly rooting for Nairo, but hats to Froome. Watching him was like watching leipheimer...well, ok. There is a difference. Froome actually wins...

anywho. Movistar has a habit of inattentiveness and Froome maybe capitalizing. The next two days are going to be very interesting.

[Jgrooms]

A move of total fear by Froome.



His team started to come apart at the seams in week 3 of the Tour last year, but that multi-minute cushion made it largely moot. That won't be the case this year.



Froome had to do it, because the Alps loom, and I imagine some part of him knows he doesn't have a prayer if Quintana starts really getting after it uphill.



Had to do it & being able to do it are two entirely diff things. The hp required to hold off the sprint teams, who are paid & expected to win on days like this, is remarkable.

A man who is scared doesn't burn matches on the day before Ventoux unless he has a lot of matches.

Tomorrow all will be answered.




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[bobswire]

A move of total fear by Froome.

His team started to come apart at the seams in week 3 of the Tour last year, but that multi-minute cushion made it largely moot. That won't be the case this year.

Froome had to do it, because the Alps loom, and I imagine some part of him knows he doesn't have a prayer if Quintana starts really getting after it uphill.

Oh,get real,you're just mad because Sagan one another stage. :D

[Jgrooms]

Ventoux is shortened & who is scared?

Nairo Quintana (Movistar)

"It was a difficult day for me. There was a lot of wind and it was all flat. And the sprinters were favoured. Froome took a few seconds by taking advantage of the moment but I want to remain positive. We didn't crash while it was very nervous. Organisers are thinking about the show, but we take chances with our lives every day and especially in stages like this. Tomorrow I would have liked the stage to go to the top because it's an ideal climb for me. But anyway, there are still lots of days and mountains for me."


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[Jgrooms]

Oh,get real,you're just mad because Sagan one another stage. :D



Sagan is a beast! He is proving to have the recovery gene for grand tours.

He looks thick around the middle & just generally a bit soft. Sagan minus 3-5 kg?


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[crankles]

He looks thick around the middle & just generally a bit soft.

That's the kind of 'soft' I can only dream of...jeez this is a tough crowd.

[Jgrooms]

That's the kind of 'soft' I can only dream of...jeez this is a tough crowd.



As bike racers go, he is. Its just an observation. I wonder what sort of damage he could do 10 lbs lighter?


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[FlashUNC]

Oh,get real,you're just mad because Sagan one another stage. :D

At this rate, Peter might win as many stages as the guy in this Tour who's using it as prep for the Olympics track program. But he's got some catching up to do.

Kudos for outsprinting Groot's less graceful cousin though.

Had to do it & being able to do it are two entirely diff things. The hp required to hold off the sprint teams, who are paid & expected to win on days like this, is remarkable.

A man who is scared doesn't burn matches on the day before Ventoux unless he has a lot of matches.

Tomorrow all will be answered.




Certainly one way to look at it. Unless he knows he needs all he can going into that third week.

[Jgrooms]

At this rate, Peter might win as many stages as the guy in this Tour who's using it as prep for the Olympics track program. But he's got some catching up to do.



Kudos for outsprinting Groot's less graceful cousin though.







Certainly one way to look at it. Unless he knows he needs all he can going into that third week.



And Q just lost what is, I believe, the steepest part of the race. The exposed last 7km of Ventoux.


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[FlashUNC]

The fix is in!

[Saint Vitus]

Ventoux is shortened & who is scared?


Ventoux, French for "Windy as f**k"

[kramnnim]

Sagan is a beast! He is proving to have the recovery gene for grand tours.

He looks thick around the middle & just generally a bit soft. Sagan minus 3-5 kg?


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He looks like a hunk of muscle...

[72gmc]

Once again, where are the "Froome is a boring robot" people? :banana:

Right here!

He's racked up 2 stages without training wheels, 3 if you include that violation of team orders in 2012.

It is a refreshing change. And he still is what he is.

[Jgrooms]

I'm no froomy fan, but anyway you slice today, it was impressive.


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[MattTuck]

It does seem that the break-aways are staying away more than in recent memory. To me, this is a good thing. More stages with GC implications is a net positive, as I really find very little to like in a 170km flat stage in which all the action happens in the last 500 meters.

I dig the idea that riders are 'tearing up the script', or whatever you want to call it. Maybe it is the course selection, but I think it is more likely the riders. The tour has been getting too formulaic and I like that there have been some surprises this year.

Next year I hope they go back to the old fashioned time trials, where it was like 140km ITT stage, through the mountains. Let's really see who the best rider is! :banana:

[Jgrooms]

He looks like a hunk of muscle...



He's 170lbs. Could he be a gc guy at 160? He has the motor. He clearly can recover.


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[MattTuck]

He's 170lbs. Could he be a gc guy at 160? He has the motor. He clearly can recover.


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Where do you find the weights? That seems like something that would be guarded like a top secret code, by the teams. My memory for Lance was that his 'reported' weight was like 10+ pounds more than his actual weight.

I've always treated athlete weight and height as being highly suspect.

And, no, I don't think he could be a GC guy, unless it was a fairly unique course lay out. Like, up the Oude Kwaremont a bunch of times. Cancellara had designs on making this transition also, but could not do it. Maybe Sagan can succeed at a grand tour where Cancellara could not, but I wouldn't put my money on it. Grand Tours (in their current format) are the domain of climbers.

[Joxster]

I always giggle at sprinters who claim they can't climb, it's all about ptw. So they're a bit tubby but when push comes to shove they can climb maybe not the 25km climbs at 30kph. I'm sure if there was a race that finished on the Stelvio and 1st prize was £250k there would be a bunch of sprinters at the end.

[Steve in SLO]

With 6km taken off the top to the Ventoux climb due to winds, I'd bet Froome is a happy guy. Sounds like a hard day anyway.

[Fiertetimestwo]

And Q just lost what is, I believe, the steepest part of the race. The exposed last 7km of Ventoux.


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Not sure this is right.

The last part of Ventoux- from Chalet Reynard up -about 6 % ave- whilst exposed is by no means as steep as the part through the forest -about 10 % ave. Once you get to Chalet Reynard it becomes noticably easier.

[mgm777]

I am not a Froome fan. My intuition tells me that something's not authentic about him. It always has. I don't have any basis for this, so it is simply a gut feeling and baseless opinion, well suited for the internet. That said, his performances today and a few days ago, when he won the jersey, have been impressive. Fun to watch.

On the other hand, I have been quietly rooting for Quintana, but I am beginning to question my support. I know he is more of a pure climber and his team is composed mostly of climbers, but c'mon Q, you're supposed to be a GC contender.

Okay, I'll be patient, as I know many of my questions will be, at least partially, answered tomorrow.

Agree with others, this TdF has, so far, been one of the more exciting and entertaining recent editions of the race.

[Red Tornado]

I'm no froomy fan, but anyway you slice today, it was impressive.

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+1 He is making that "additional" effort, minimal as the gains may be, I'll give him credit for that.

mgm777, you make some good points, as well. I'd like to see Q take it and he's gonna have to pull the trigger sometime. Hope his timing's good....

[guido]

And, no, I don't think he could be a GC guy, unless it was a fairly unique course lay out. Like, up the Oude Kwaremont a bunch of times. Cancellara had designs on making this transition also, but could not do it. Maybe Sagan can succeed at a grand tour where Cancellara could not, but I wouldn't put my money on it. Grand Tours (in their current format) are the domain of climbers.
Getting down to GC contender level power to weight ratio is really hard for a big guy.

Wiggens the only rider of recent memory to go so far "off type" to win the tour. Notice how quickly he fell off that peak too...

Remember how much talk there was about Thomas making the transition from classics guy to climber last year. He sure didn't stay in that range this year...

[Climb01742]

Froome: Mr Robot has become Mr Panache.

Could those four riders have been better composed to pull off that escapade? Any other combo than 2+2 would have played games or one guy would have wheel sucked at the back. A perfect combo to succeed.

And Peter Sagan. What more can you say? That dude is the_complete_racer with talent and balls and style.

[bobswire]

Froome: Mr Robot has become Mr Panache.

Could those four riders have been better composed to pull off that escapade? Any other combo than 2+2 would have played games or one guy would have wheel sucked at the back. A perfect combo to succeed.

And Peter Sagan. What more can you say? That dude is the_complete_racer with talent and balls and style.

Sagan couldn't believe his luck when he saw who hitched onto his break, in his interview afterwards he said as much.

[weisan]

“Today is something you cannot plan,” Sagan said between laughs. “The green jersey and the yellow jersey at the front? [laughs]. It was crazy!”

“I hope you’re enjoying it. I am having fun all the time!” said Sagan, once again chuckling. “It’s not just about the Tour, my life is special. We are actors. No, we are artists.”

Read more at http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/07/tour-de-france/sagan-on-attack-with-froome-we-are-artists_414544#mvzJJoWCjZkS28ul.99

[jlwdm]

It does seem that the break-aways are staying away more than in recent memory. To me, this is a good thing. More stages with GC implications is a net positive, as I really find very little to like in a 170km flat stage in which all the action happens in the last 500 meters.

I dig the idea that riders are 'tearing up the script', or whatever you want to call it. Maybe it is the course selection, but I think it is more likely the riders. The tour has been getting too formulaic and I like that there have been some surprises this year.

...

The flat stages have a lot more going on then the last 500 meters. These stages have lots of strategy with the top gc teams and the sprinters teams figuring out who is going to chase and when. Today the sprinters' teams screwed up by 6 seconds.

The winds made today's stage and windy stages are some of the best stages in the tour. The start of the race was just crazy with all of the riders wanting to be in front and not much room to get by other riders.

Jeff

[ultraman6970]

Contador did the same thing to him a couple of years ago, anybody remembers? he got like 1 minute out of froome that day, good the guy learn from that experience. So what else to say? Heck he looks ugly over the bike but he is getting a lot of respect around... including me. Good for froome and sagan.

[regularguy412]

IMHO, I think this whole scenario (so far) has been set up by NOT having a Prologue Time Trial. I like this MUCH better. More riders are in 'play' for GC for a longer period of time. I also like a TTT, as well, if one or two TTs are not enough. In a TTT you can see which teams really practice on their TT bikes and which ones don't.

Mike in AR:beer:

[jlwdm]

I have never been a big fan of Sagan or Froome, but I like them both a lot after the first 11 stages.

Sagan is just a brute. Day after day, except the climbing stages, he is fighting for the breaks and the wins. He always does more than his share of the work. Will he ever be a GC contendor? No!

The Tour tried to create a race this year that would be harder for Sky and Froome to win. Stage 8 didn't finish at the top of the climb to give Froome less chance to win - didn't work.

Froome is acting like Hinault. He really is showing leadership in the peloton. He has been in excellent position all of the time and is not afraid to go it alone when he needs to. I also have a lot of respect for Sky. The team takes a lot of responsibility for the race every day without worrying if they have the yellow jersey. The team wants everyone to know they are the best team.

The sprinters look heavier than they really are. I went on a bike tour for the last two weeks of the 2001 Tour and the one thing that amazed me the most was how much smaller the sprinters were than I thought they were. I don't care what the prize they cannot climb with the true climbers, but they can go home and climb with the best climbers around.

I liked watching Porte, Martin, Yates and some others mix it up the other day, but I think Ventoux and the time trial the next day will create some good gaps in the GC. Probably time for Tejay to slip a little too.

Jeff

[mgm777]

The sprinters look heavier than they really are. I went on a bike tour for the last two weeks of the 2001 Tour and the one thing that amazed me the most was how much smaller the sprinters were than I thought they were. I don't care what the prize they cannot climb with the true climbers, but they can go home and climb with the best climbers around.
Jeff

^This! I too have had the opportunity to meet and see professional cyclists at a few races(TofC, USA ProCycling Challenge). My initial impressions mirrors yours. When I saw several riders, off their bikes, for the first time, I was astounded by how small(height and weight) most of them were. I too was expecting the sprinters, especially, to have physiques similar to football players. They didn't. They too were tiny, albeit just a wee bit more muscle-bound.