stage 17: spoiler

[Climb01742]

you want your f*cking panache?!?! take this PANACHE!!!

go floyd, go!!! regardless of how it turns out, i admire the hell out of him. that is courage and style. go floyd go!!!

as al michaels once asked, "do you believe in miracles?"

he's a true athlete...fight like a b@stard!!!!!

[flyingscot]

Agreed
Watching this with my mouth open and jaw on the floor
I hope he blows them away

Even if he fades, this effort has re-inspired my love for Pro Cycling
He is a stud !

[cs124]

gutsy...i can see i'll have to stay up late and watch this stage to the end

[Ginger]

Go Floyd! (Eurosport is great...) This is what makes racing fun to watch...well...you know what I mean.

GO FLOYD GO!

[Bud]

The dude is an animal! Determined, hard-working. . .

I agree- however it turns out, he is one tough mofo.

[Climb01742]

gutsy...i can see i'll have to stay up late and watch this stage to the end

floyd and cadel on the podium would be nice, eh? ;)

this could be a case where the uncertain future of his hip could "help" floyd: this could be his last tour, so why not lay it all on the line? as chief dan george said in "little big man": today is a good day to die.

[Elefantino]

Looks like Elefantino (the other one) in 2000 all over again.

We wondered what the hell he was doing, too.

I don't think the peleton is going to be so gratuitous if Landis keeps pulling away. They won't give back the time he needs.

It's fun to watch, though. Probably the last TdF mountain stage of his career. Why not die trying?

[coylifut]

Probably the last TdF mountain stage of his career. Why not die trying?

My next door neighbor is an orthopedic surgeon, a French National and an enormous TDF fan. He told me he'd be surprised if Landis didn't make a complete recovery. He went on to say his limitations will be more mental than physical.

Just one man's opinion.

[trymorecowbell]

Today:
Great PR move by Floyd...tough, courageous, yadda, yadda, yadda
Tactically a suicidal Phred move

He's prolly decided to retire after the tour/hip replacement

just my 2 pesos

[Serpico]

...

as chief dan george said in "little big man": today is a good day to die.

Climb :beer:

great film, great quote--perfect context

brilliant!

[saab2000]

I doubt he hangs it up after his hip replacement. I once had a guy on my plane who played on TV a French orthopedic surgeon obsessed by the Tour de France and he told me hip replacement surgery is cakewalk. And he stayed at a Holiday Inn AND saved money on his car insurance by switching to Geico.

Floyd is a megastud.

So there.

[Fat Robert]

i had a job as a line cook once

some days i'd walk in and say

"today is a good day to fry"

no one got it

anyway

this is the most fun to watch tour in my fan life...i started paying attention in 83....

[spiderlake]

Thanks for the heads up!! Fired up the audio on Eurosport. Sounds like something I don't want to miss today. Go Floyd!!

you want your f*cking panache?!?! take this PANACHE!!!

go floyd, go!!! regardless of how it turns out, i admire the hell out of him. that is courage and style. go floyd go!!!

as al michaels once asked, "do you believe in miracles?"

he's a true athlete...fight like a b@stard!!!!!

[Andreu]

cojones!

[Tom]

But sacrifices have to be made. This is unbelievable. There's no way this can stick, is there? Is he getting time bonuses for the hills?

[saab2000]

this is the most fun to watch tour in my fan life...i started paying attention in 83....

I started being obsessed by it in 84, but the spark started when Jonathan Boyer rode it in about 80 or 81 or whenever he became the first American to ride the Tour.

Those were the days. I actually liked it better then. But this is a terrific race and shows that we miss nothing in the absence of Basso and Ullrich.

Where are T-Mobile and CSC in the chase? They are going slow while Oscar Pereiro's team does their best, which isn't much.

[oracle]

you want your f*cking panache?!?! take this PANACHE!!!

go floyd, go!!! regardless of how it turns out, i admire the hell out of him. that is courage and style. go floyd go!!!

as al michaels once asked, "do you believe in miracles?"

he's a true athlete...fight like a b@stard!!!!!


en serio...deus mio...

[Bradford]

he's a true athlete...fight like a b@stard!!!!!

I wish cyclists had numbers like NASCAR drivers. After this move, I want to put Floyd's number on my bike. He is my kind of guy.

Go Floyd!

[ada@prorider.or]

again he is toooo good today


2 differant speeds in in race

[GoJavs]

eerily familiar to a Rocky movie. Or maybe a Rambo movie. Rambo vs. hundreds of nameless rivals who just can't shoot...

I'm with Cees. I don't believe it. Either the whole peloton is made up of a bunch of chumps, or Floyd got the good stuff last night.

BTW - Bjarne Riis is giving away the race today and so is Olaf Ludwig for that matter. Shameful.

[Andreu]

2 different speeds in the race.

Are you incinerating that Floyd is an alien?

[Russell]

i just wet myself

[Climb01742]

all the way up the Col de Joux-Plane i'll have a knot in my stomach...can he_really_do it? which team will have the horses and balls to attack on the Col de Joux-Plane?

[davids]

It's either suicide or total victory. Either way, this is brilliant!

Allez Floyd! (a weak attempt at Phonak colors)

...and here comes CSC...

[Zard]

This is the kind of drama that we haven't seen for years.....

[GoJavs]

Riis is gambling big time. Shouldn't have let it get this far.

Floyd's performance is still unearthly. The only recent performance I've seen like this was Dan Cortese fighting a swarm of mutated bees on Sci-Fi!!! :bike:

[zap]

I agree. Panache.

The last climb is going to be interesting. I wonder if T-mobile is making the yellow jersey work hard and then swoop up for the kill on the last climb.

We'll see.

Enjoy.

[max_powers]

Why would the peloton let him go??

=> thay clean and tired, like the rest of us now

So glad they cleaned house

[max_powers]

Saw Floyd destroy a Pro MTB field back in '96 in Pasadena.
This looks similar, see if he drops that wheelsucker

kind of a local dude also 4 me. This is great

[saab2000]

The only recent performance I've seen like this was Dan Cortese fighting a swarm of mutated bees on Sci-Fi!!! :bike:

Awesome!

[Ray]

I had a lot of plans for today. They're well and thoroughly on hold. Watching this is as much fun as I've had riding! All he needs now are a pair of argyle socks to really put the mental hurt on them.

-Ray

[Climb01742]

job? what job? just gotta see this live.

[atmo]

job? what job? just gotta see this live.
no brazing til noon aujourd hui atmo.
hey are the t mobile guys chasing or blocking?

[molly22]

i had to make my 9 year old go to tennis lessons (feeling guilty about that). he couldn't believe how exciting it is. neither can i.

go floyd.

[spiderlake]

This came from the text feed at Eurosport. Made me laugh!

FLOYD LANDIS STILL LOOKING FRESH AS A DAISY: A very, very sweaty daisy. And his lead is still 5'57" over Sastre! Landis will become a legend today.

[Ginger]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who laughed at that...

[spiderlake]

How awesome is this??

From OLNTV.com’s blog:

15:58:10 - Yellow Jersey For A Six-Pack Of Beer...

After Floyd Landis regained the lead of the Tour de France at the top of L'Alpe d'Huez he decided that he wanted a beer to celebrate the moment. On the road down to his hotel, his team car pulled over and the American traded a yellow jersey for a six-pack of beer with a spectator.

[davids]

Floyd! Floyd! Floyd!!!!

[Bud]

THAT was effin' panache! Go Floyd! What a fighter.

[pale scotsman]

What a freakin' ride! Floyd wanted it, and wanted it bad leaving nothing on the table. That ladies and gentlemen is intestinal fortitude!

[Climb01742]

floyd=stud.

holy cow, batman.

[atmo]

best tdf stage since greg took 51 seconds back on fignon atmo.

[Russell]

No matter what happens that was the ride of the Tour. Is this a great race or what?

[Jiwa Jiwa]

i love witnessing history!

and trading the jersey for beer?-- i think i heart floyd.

absolutely effing epic.

[Richard]

Sooooo.....In the first tt, Landis took about 1:10 out of Sastre and 1:40 out of Peiriero. Hmmm....

[OldDog]

'atta boy, Floyd :beer:

I'm inspired to have a beer for lunch!

[zap]

best tdf stage since greg took 51 seconds back on fignon atmo.

Agree.

effin panache.

Amazing stage win for Floyd.

[Blastinbob]

I know where i'll be Saturday morning! :) My legs are burning just watching the velonews report on my computer.

[atmo]

mennonites rule atmo.
see ya 'later.

[saab2000]

I'll be driving my Penske truck from Minneapolis to Virginia Beach on Saturday. Not cool.

I'd bet anyone a Pabst Blue Ribbon or even a Point Special that Floyd wins on Saturday.

[J.Greene]

best tdf stage since greg took 51 seconds back on fignon atmo.


If Floyd wins it all, he not only rode the competition off his wheel, but also the asterisk that this tour winner would have had. This is the stuff of legend. hipstrong atmo!

JG

[Moosedryvr]

WOW!! Pure class! How's that for some panache American style. Go Phloyd!!

SPG

[shinomaster]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2006/tour06/?id=results/tour0617
Wait...I just woke up...is this right? Is he only 31 seconds back now?

[flyingscot]

Pure and simply that is the stuff of legends

[Richard]

Turn about is fair play...Floyd let Periero back in, did the rest of the teams make a fatal mistake by letting Floyd back in? This is the most exciting tactical race coupled with heroic rides since Lemond's days.

[Bud]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2006/tour06/?id=results/tour0617
Wait...I just woke up...is this right? Is he only 31 seconds back now?


Bro you've got to watch it. It was totally epic!

[atmo]

hipstrong

[Tom]

I gotta get some work done now.

I'm staying up late tonight, and I'll still be yelling at the TV even though I know what'll happen.

[GoJavs]

Team? ***! I don't no stinking team. I've never witnessed anything like I did today. But realistically, except for Stage 16 (The Bonkastic Episode), Landis looked far superior than anyone else throughout the race.

Game. Set. Match.

[Richard]

Are we going to see Sastre, Periero, Flandis going fight for time bonuse before the TT ala Ulrich?

[Fat Robert]

this is the most freaking amazing ride i've ever seen on a tour stage

dude -- do see what color these beer mugs are?

:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

[GoJavs]

Are we going to see Sastre, Periero, Flandis going fight for time bonuse before the TT ala Ulrich?
---

I hope we see Pereiro do something to get some seconds on Landis. To no avail. Landis will win the final TT by 2 minutes easy.

[shinomaster]

this is the most freaking amazing ride i've ever seen on a tour stage

dude -- do see what color these beer mugs are?

:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

did you wet yourself? pp is yellow.

[Keith A]

Simply amazing!!! That is some of the most exciting racing I've seen in quite some time. Hats off to Floyd -- he is indeed the man. I do hope that he can take it in the ITT.

[Jason E]

Me: "Sweetie, I have that Doctors appoinment in the a.m., but I think I may reschedule to watch the last stage in the Alps..."

Her: "It's just a bike race, you watch them all. What could happen if you miss one stage?"

:crap: :crap: :crap: :crap:

[shinomaster]

Floyd should kick their asses in the TT.

[Avispa]

Thank You FLOYD!!!!

I get to keep the money envelope in my hands again!!!! :) ;) :D :) ;) :D :) ;) :D

[shoe]

WOW-what a race. this is the first tour i have ever watched and earlier this morning i had to call my business partner and tell him we were going to have to get together tomorrow. i just couldn't believe what was going on when i tuned into the race after it was started...it makes me think that the past few tours must have seemed much less interesting...dave

[a100mark]

He is an inspiring rider! You gotta love his outlook on life too. Go Floyd!!! :banana:

[Big Dan]

:confused:

http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/wrestlemania23fanrally

[fmbp]

as I sat in my Lazy-Boy watching the stage, my heart was beating like I was going hard on a ride. Damn, that was awesome. I can't wait until Saturday!

fmbp

[mosca]

On my way to work this morning (not knowing anything about today's stage), I was thinking that it would be funny to post a mock-spoiler thread title, something ridiculous about how Floyd took a flyer and soloed back into contention. I'm glad I logged on to Velonews first.

GO FLOYD!!

[BumbleBeeDave]

Bonk on THIS, you &$%# B@STARDS!!!

I am absotively, posolutely SPEECHLESS!!

. . . and THAT don't happen too often!!

BBD

[ada@prorider.or]

the ishares go up i think
thanks with the advise of mrO.............z
i think

[Russell]

Are we going to see Sastre, Periero, Flandis going fight for time bonuse before the TT ala Ulrich?

This may be fought on the streets of Paris. My weekend am rides are shot.

[shinomaster]

I hope FLoyd doesn't get busted for smack tonight imho.

[Ginger]

the ishares go up i think
thanks with the advise of mrO.............z
i think

You know...enough with the innuendo. With the theory out there that other than a few, these guys are *all* on drugs -


Floyd still smoked 'em all.


[No amount of help is going to turn in a performance like that. That was from the heart and legs of a champion. ]

[72gmc]

this is the closest thing i've seen yet to lemond's final tt in '89. absolutely off the meter.

i would like to thank floyd landis for what must have been a pr on my commute this morning. i was so geeked up i couldn't slow down.

[gone]

What a crazy, stupid, undisciplined, no hope, thrilling, beautiful, inspiring, legendary thing to do!

Go Floyd!

[Frustration]

I love how bad the life of the folks that can only think of doping at a time like this must be.

You're lives have no joy what so ever and both Floyd's effort and your misery are HUGE entertainment and inspiration to me.


I love my job, I love watching the Tour again, and I love that no matter how crappy things seem to me, you'll always ALWAYS be having a worse day than me.

[BumbleBeeDave]

When was the last time the race was decided on the penultimate stage? Lemond in '89? So much for the parade and the sipping champaigne . . .

GO, FLOYD!!

BBD

[shinomaster]

dude...my life isn't that bad....I'm a Floyd fan. Im happy for him. I really hope he wins. I also hope it's not to good to be true.

[Keith A]

So was this the knockout punch?

http://www.velonews.com/images/details/10493.15856.f.jpg

[72gmc]

i'd also like to thank floyd for proving to my wife that i'm as certifiable as he is.

we've been packing to move all week. i've also been working regular hours, so it's up til midnight and up again at 4:30 most days. after five days of this i'm wiped out, but i was still jumping up and down in front of the tube this morning chanting floyd's name.

[Keith A]

I guess it was Levi's turn to have a bad day -- he lost 21 minutes and is out of the top 10 again.

[justinf]

holy moly, I am late to the party. What a frickin ride. What say the smug prognosticators now?

[atmo]

What say the smug prognosticators now?





they're gettin' in touch with their inner mennonite now atmo.

[harlond]

You know...enough with the innuendo. With the theory out there that other than a few, these guys are *all* on drugs -


Floyd still smoked 'em all.


[No amount of help is going to turn in a performance like that. That was from the heart and legs of a champion. ]+1 totally.

[GoJavs]

I'm very happy for Phonak. After all their disgrace in the last few years (Hamilton, Camenzind, Gutierrez, Botero) to have a clean rider drop 150+ guys over several mountain passes by over 5 minutes. Kudos to them.

[GoJavs]

You know...enough with the innuendo. With the theory out there that other than a few, these guys are *all* on drugs -


Floyd still smoked 'em all.


[No amount of help is going to turn in a performance like that. That was from the heart and legs of a champion. ]

---

I won't hide behind the innuendo. Phonak has been a team that has somehow managed to stay afloat even though most of their leaders have been either found (or implicated) on drug cases. Today, Floyd goes out and makes 150+ grown men look like school boys with a performance that NOT EVEN LANCE ever pulled off. Make of it what you like.

Congratulations to Floyd, anyway. He seems like a class act.

[coylifut]

I expect that anytime anyone wins a race in convincing fashion that someone is going to immediately question it. That's just the current state of the sport.

---

I won't hide behind the innuendo. Phonak has been a team that has somehow managed to stay afloat even though most of their leaders have been either found (or implicated) on drug cases. Today, Floyd goes out and makes 150+ grown men look like school boys with a performance that NOT EVEN LANCE ever pulled off. Make of it what you like.

Congratulations to Floyd, anyway. He seems like a class act.

[justinf]

they're gettin' in touch with their inner mennonite now atmo.

word to your mennonite.

[GoJavs]

I expect that anytime anyone wins a race in convincing fashion that someone is going to immediately question it. That's just the current state of the sport.

Exactly. Again - Landis seems like a great guy. I'm happy for him b/c this is more than likely his one shot.

[H.Frank Beshear]

I pulled this off the cyclingnews report to give credit where due. I like the attitude. Go Floyd

"When asked afterwards if he was happy with the stage win, Landis showed his focus and source of motivation. "I don't care," he said, smiling. "I came here to win the Tour, and that is what I am trying to do."

[Ginger]

---

I won't hide behind the innuendo. Phonak has been a team that has somehow managed to stay afloat even though most of their leaders have been either found (or implicated) on drug cases. Today, Floyd goes out and makes 150+ grown men look like school boys with a performance that NOT EVEN LANCE ever pulled off. Make of it what you like.

Congratulations to Floyd, anyway. He seems like a class act.

Was Lance ever in a position to need to do that sort of push? He had to make up time, but I don't think he was that far back at the time?

I'd say part of today's successful ride for Floyd had to do with team strategists failing to take his jump seriously. (Any insight Swoop?) If they had, I'd bet even going off like that Floyd wouldn't have taken back so much time.

It's like everyone is used to playing the game a certain way and the rules changed.

[Frustration]

Seeing the world through Poo tinted glasses is what it is...



I'm too busy being happy about the best day of racing in the last 15 years to let the would-be "smart" folks try and smudge my lenses too...

Now the first thing I can think is that some of the "complex" superthinkers round here will think me simple. Fair enough I would rather have the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat than the painful existence of eternal pessimism that spoils the sport we love for so many...

:banana: .

[davids]

What a difference a day makes:

http://www.velonews.com/images/details/10479.15819.f.jpg

http://www.velonews.com/images/details/10493.15856.f.jpg

I can't wait to sit down in front of a TV tonight - I'll be watching with a friend who has no idea what just happened. I hope I can keep my cool...

[GoJavs]

The rules are there because of perceived human physical limitations. When Pantani took off on the Galibier in '98 with a couple of climbs to go, people thought he was nuts. I'm sure that's what the whole Tour thought as well today.

I mentioned earlier that Riis and Ludwig gave away the Tour today. And I think it's true. What happened today was basically the only thing they couldn't let happen today. They let the one guy back in the race who had shown to be superior that everyone else prior to Stage 16. BONEHEADS!

BTW - there's no doubt in mind that Lance could have pulled that off if he wanted to. Based on what I saw in '04 & '05, I'm sure he could have won both of those Tours by 15 minutes.

Was Lance ever in a position to need to do that sort of push? He had to make up time, but I don't think he was that far back at the time?

I'd say part of today's successful ride for Floyd had to do with team strategists failing to take his jump seriously. (Any insight Swoop?) If they had, I'd bet even going off like that Floyd wouldn't have taken back so much time.

It's like everyone is used to playing the game a certain way and the rules changed.

[GoJavs]

I'm going to need a visual on that one.

BTW - this is priceless:

QUOTE
Fair enough I would rather have the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat than the painful existence of eternal pessimism that spoils the sport we love for so many...
UNQUOTE

Barry Bonds is approaching 755 home runs. enjoy!

[Avispa]

He is an inspiring rider! You gotta love his outlook on life too. Go Floyd!!!

No kidding, did you guys read his interview yesterday?:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2006/tour06/?id=/riders/2006/interviews/floyd_landis_tdf306

This is a guy you want to hug... keeping away from his hip, however!

[tomwd3]

Un-B-Lievable. The ballsiest thing I've ever seen on 2 wheels.
I can't wait to watch the next 2 days!!!!!

[Tom]

When was the last time the race was decided on the penultimate stage? Lemond in '89? So much for the parade and the sipping champaigne . . .

BBD

Penultimate is 'next to last'. Now that would be a time trial... fill their water bottles with hooch and see who can get to the finish line.

[Bud]

i would like to thank floyd landis for what must have been a pr on my commute this morning. i was so geeked up i couldn't slow down.

Same here, bro. I was pumped riding in after that stage!

[Frustration]

I'm going to need a visual on that one.

BTW - this is priceless:

QUOTE
Fair enough I would rather have the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat than the painful existence of eternal pessimism that spoils the sport we love for so many...
UNQUOTE

Barry Bonds is approaching 755 home runs. enjoy!


Right... So have they got a doping confesion out of Robbie Ventura that we all missed or do you just think you know something nobody else does? Was he caught at Balco or has he admitted what Barry has? nope.



Maybe poo tinted glasses was guessing that the Poo was in front of the eyes and not between the ears (or just getting slung about so that everyone else can be misserable too).


I would say have a good day, but that's probably not possible for some.


And that's even more fun for me... :banana:

[Ginger]

From yesterday's interview:
Q: What do you do to deal with this at this point?

FL: Er... I don't know... drink some beers! (laughs) That's what I'm thinking about now!




Beer, the mountain bikers recovery drink.
:p

[LegendRider]

Exactly. Again - Landis seems like a great guy. I'm happy for him b/c this is more than likely his one shot.

Why do you say that? If you are referring to his hip replacement, it shouldn't stop him from returning to the top of the sport.

[BumbleBeeDave]

My inner copy editor was on vacation!

And I agree with Ginger . . . I was reading the VN live coverage and was reading about him riding away on that first climb and I wanted to say to the "big guns" behind him letting it happen, "Uh, guys? Maybe letting him do that is not such a good idea . . . ?"

BBD

[Climb01742]

today is why i love sports. sport is like life, only better.

[BoulderGeek]

Wow, I just slacked on all of my morning work and watched it all on TiVo.

What a day! What an effort! What inhuman dedication, and abyssmal underestimation of this man by the 'ton.

I have to admit, I never thought he'd stay off the front the whole stage. I thought, sure, he'll take a flyer and crack midway, but die trying.

This was sick, as in "gnarly big air" sick. Lemond/Fignon sick. Boogerd's 112 mile solo over the Galibier in 2002 sick. Wow.

I'm so glad I got to see this. Dude is huge.

[shinomaster]

Right... So have they got a doping confesion out of Robbie Ventura that we all missed or do you just think you know something nobody else does? Was he caught at Balco or has he admitted what Barry has? nope.



Maybe poo tinted glasses was guessing that the Poo was in front of the eyes and not between the ears (or just getting slung about so that everyone else can be misserable too).


I would say have a good day, but that's probably not possible for some.


And that's even more fun for me... :banana:

Lighten up pinapple poo brain. I was a huge Tyler fan, a huge Lance fan, a BAsso fan, even a Jan fan. I was also a Phonak fan. Sadly the truth came out. It's hard not to be a little concerned about a Phonak super star. Remember Botero and Oscar?

[GoJavs]

[QUOTE=Frustration]Right... So have they got a doping confesion out of Robbie Ventura that we all missed or do you just think you know something nobody else does? Was he caught at Balco or has he admitted what Barry has? nope....UNQUOTE

Holy! your nickname must be true. Chill, Buddy. Your comment, and i paraphrase, that you'd rather believe than not, made me think of Barry Bonds because there are millions of baseball fans that would ALSO like to believe...

BTW - I'm having a great day! Thanks!

[GoJavs]

Why do you say that? If you are referring to his hip replacement, it shouldn't stop him from returning to the top of the sport.

Because in this sport, no-one waits for someone to re-hab. By the time Landis makes it back, there'll be others...Valverde comes to mind.

[Frustration]

LMAO,


So Floyd's sweat isn't dry yet and folks start in with their Dope slinging and compare Floyd to Barry Bonds.

Then they switch to don't worry be happy...


My work here against the tyranical poo slingers is done :banana:

[GoJavs]

LMAO,

So Floyd's sweat isn't dry yet and folks start in with their Dope slinging and compare Floyd to Barry Bonds.

Then they switch to don't worry be happy...

My work here against the tyranical poo slingers is done :banana:

----

Pray tell, when did I compare Landis with Bonds? Nope. I compared your statement of 'belief in the sport' to my opinion of the baseball-viewing public towards Bonds' accomplishments.

Jeez. Tyranical? Poo slingers? Who are you, dude?

[flyingscot]

I also think Floyd should set fire to that "cursed" yellow bike

[LegendRider]

Because in this sport, no-one waits for someone to re-hab. By the time Landis makes it back, there'll be others...Valverde comes to mind.

It's ironic you'd say that given American cycling's experience with top riders coming back from medical issues...

[GoJavs]

It's ironic you'd say that given American cycling's experience with top riders coming back from medical issues...

IMHO only.

[BumbleBeeDave]

"Pineapple Poo Brain?!?!"

OK, that's just going TOO far, even for YOU! ;) :rolleyes: :beer:

BBD

[Climb01742]

can't we just enjoy what floyd did for even a single day? what he did took, first and foremost, a ****eload of courage. no drug gives you that.

[Bud]

can't we just enjoy what floyd did for even a single day? what he did took, first and foremost, a ****eload of courage. no drug gives you that.

+1

Down with the naysayers and party poopers. His effort took more than a sh*tload of courage, it took a whole a$$load.

[jasont]

I was late to work today because I had to watch.

Awesome, just awesome.

[gasman]

can't we just enjoy what floyd did for even a single day? what he did took, first and foremost, a ****eload of courage. no drug gives you that.


+2

What an unbelievable ride by an amazing rider. The best stage win I've seen in a Tour and the best Tour in years !!!

Great stuff-enjoy it all.

[oracle]

EVERYBODY LOVES A GOOD FAIRY TALE

[Ottrott]

Boy, Landis really lost the tour. How embarassing. When someone cracks like that, there's no way he's going to come back.... Not even lance - no one could do it. There's just no way. Team Mobile is gonna make sure that Klodan owns this thing...

Sorry, what?... Really? Took the stage? By how much? Wow! Uh.. nevermind....

[swoop]

after the stage floyd continued riding through europe and to the middle east where he solved the whole beruit conflict. then he rode back to france and went to every home in the country and made them all stop being weenies.
he's now deep under the atlantic ocean talking to the whales... something about alternative sources to petroleum products.

and levi has just made the 3rd time check in the first time trial.

...

it got emotional today (for me).

atmo.

[Kahuna]

"today is a good day to fry"

Today is a good day to be a bike racing fan!

anyway

this is the most fun to watch tour in my fan life...i started paying attention in 83....

Ah yes, the year Pascal Simon broke his shoulder blade and lost the yellow jersey on the Puy du Dome.

Today was 1989 all over again, only better!

-K

[Frustration]

----

Pray tell, when did I compare Landis with Bonds? Nope. I compared your statement of 'belief in the sport' to my opinion of the baseball-viewing public towards Bonds' accomplishments.

Jeez. Tyranical? Poo slingers? Who are you, dude?

What ever it is I am, it's not a hypocrite...

You said you were not going to hide behind inuendo, then bring up the past Phonak guys with drug problems, then say that Floyd put in an effort that not even Lance could muster.

What's better is that you said I "made" you compare Floyds accomplishment to Barry Bonds...

What'd I do, use the Jedi Mind trick on you?


Whatever the case, I never called anyone out directly as slinging Doping mud on Floyd... (initially)



I just counted on Poo floating to the surface on it's own...

[GoJavs]

That's it, you are now on my ignore list. That last reply is just silly. :argue:

Goodbye. Enjoy your 'frustration'.

[Tom]

Jack Bauer wears Floyd Landis underpants.

Jack Bauer wears Floyd Landis' underpants.

[mosca]

Sorry, I'm just too excited to get any actual work done today. Think I'll go have a cold one in Floyd's honor.

[Frustration]

OMG, NO!

I'll be stuck enjoying a great day in the sport! :crap:

[rwsaunders]

Even my wife took the time to watch the last 10 minutes with me while I cheered the Floydmeister to victory. There's a great interview with him on the OLNtv website.

[72gmc]

Sorry, I'm just too excited to get any actual work done today. Think I'll go have a cold one in Floyd's honor.

i would have chosen a stout, but well done regardless.

[Jiwa Jiwa]

respect

[shinomaster]

What ever it is I am, it's not a hypocrite...

You said you were not going to hide behind inuendo, then bring up the past Phonak guys with drug problems, then say that Floyd put in an effort that not even Lance could muster.

What's better is that you said I "made" you compare Floyds accomplishment to Barry Bonds...

What'd I do, use the Jedi Mind trick on you?


Whatever the case, I never called anyone out directly as slinging Doping mud on Floyd...



I just counted on Poo floating to the surface on it's own...

I think I might have started all this. Frustration, you said that my life "had no joy". That hurt my feelings real bad.

[Fixed]

eddie told him what to do last night .
cheers

[Frustration]

I think I might have started all this. Frustration, you said that my life "had no joy". That hurt my feelings real bad.



I deeply regret any hurt feelings and meant nothing pointed at you (or anyone else) Shinosabe. My post was just a gripe that, no matter how sweet the day, we couldn't wait 10 minutes before sticking a needle in it.



JOY TO YOU DAMN IT!

JOY! :banana:

[mosca]

i would have chosen a stout, but well done regardless.

Well, I liked this color because it's, you know, close to Yellow... :)

[shinomaster]

I deeply regret any hurt feelings and meant nothing pointed at you (or anyone else) Shinosabe. My post was just a gripe that, no matter how sweet the day, we couldn't wait 10 minutes before sticking a needle in it.



JOY TO YOU DAMN IT!

JOY! :banana:

That's cool. Actually I was quite overjoyed this morning. What I really meant, was that I really hope it's not too good to be true. Maybe Mennonites are honest. Nothing would make me more happy than for Floyd to win.

[gary135r]

Today:
Great PR move by Floyd...tough, courageous, yadda, yadda, yadda
Tactically a suicidal Phred move




Really?

[Archibald]

I love how bad the life of the folks that can only think of doping at a time like this must be.

You're lives have no joy what so ever and both Floyd's effort and your misery are HUGE entertainment and inspiration to me.


I love my job, I love watching the Tour again, and I love that no matter how crappy things seem to me, you'll always ALWAYS be having a worse day than me.Read enough posts on here and you too will soon be believing today's bike racers couldn't get out of the driveway without some EPO, HGH, and some steroid patches on their nads.

[atmo]

Read enough posts on here and you too will soon be believing today's bike racers couldn't get out of the driveway without some EPO, HGH, and some steroid patches on their nads.
i can't leave the driveway without a
hummer, and i'm just a cat 2 atmo.

[shinomaster]

Hummer? Your not talking SUV are you?

[Ginger]

i can't leave the driveway without a
hummer, and i'm just a cat 2 atmo.
You must have a very tolerant SO.

[Frustration]

Read enough posts on here and you too will soon be believing today's bike racers couldn't get out of the driveway without some EPO, HGH, and some steroid patches on their nads.


Unless they shave up higher than I do, the patches gotta hurt!

[atmo]

You must have a very tolerant SO.
i'm like soooo double-jointed atmo.

[swoop]

Read enough posts on here and you too will soon be believing today's bike racers couldn't get out of the driveway without some EPO, HGH, and some steroid patches on their nads.

was it the red pill or the blue pill that one takes to stay in the matrix? i forgot.

[Ginger]

i'm like soooo double-jointed atmo.
You and Marylin eh? Oh hold it, he had to have ribs removed...


I think Floyd tried more cow bell today. :) I think he'll stick it to 'em a bit tomorrow too, but not so much as to damage his time trial.

And I think he'll be drinking more beer tonight.

[William]

"I was so confident this morning that Landis wouldn't come back into this
race- yesterday his team sucked, he blew up, race over, yeah! - WRONG.
Today the team rose to the occasion and set a pace from hell to set up this attack from Floyd on the first climb of the day, the Col de Saisies."

Cool. Bravo Floyd. :banana:

But me thinks we'll be seeing him in arbitration with lengthy court cases, squabbling with GL, and GQ looking articles about innocence in cycling magazine. Being able to see the future is so frustrating. :crap:



William

[atmo]

And I think he'll be drinking more beer tonight.
Bode Miller Fan Club Atmo

[William]

Bode Miller Fan Club Atmo


WHO???



William ;)

[Ottrott]

I'm just wishing I could have gotten a nickel for every cyclist who used the words "no way" in describing to non-cycling friends how likely it was for Floyd to make a come back...

non cycling friend: "10 minutes doesn't seem like that much time..."

you - the all knowing cycling expert and guru: "you see...there's no way for someone to make up that kind of time...especially against teams that have already watched a break before. They'll be ready for it and will cut him down... blah..blah..."

[atmo]

I'm just wishing I could have gotten a nickel for every cyclist who used the words "no way" in describing to non-cycling friends how likely it was for Floyd to make a come back...



you'd have to shell out for all of us (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=220622&postcount=10).
we had faith as far back as a month
ago atmo.

[dirtdigger88]

Unless they shave up higher than I do, the patches gotta hurt!

I shave all the way. . . but I still aint stickin nothin to my nads

oh yeah

Go Floyd

Jason

[Rich_W]

greatest tour stage ever!

Lance who?

[Samster]

i hate having a day job... i followed this through news flashes on cyclingnews between conference calls. it was still exciting... i'm gettin' the video.

[Ginger]

I'd like to take a moment to thank Serotta Andrew for putting a particular user on the probation list so that those who want to watch the tour can and those of us who followed it already can chat at will in a properly labeled Spoiler thread!

Thanks Andrew!

[CaliFly]

This is my first time to watch the Tour all the way through. Such an exciting race. My namesake killed it today...with the cool, calm and collected TV interview he gave yesterday you just had no idea what was in store.

Go FLOYD!
:beer: :beer: :beer:

[CaliFly]

I'd like to take a moment to thank Serotta Andrew for putting a particular user on the probation list so that those who want to watch the tour can and those of us who followed it already can chat at will in a properly labeled Spoiler thread!

Thanks Andrew!

+1

:banana:

[Saxon]

FLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOYD!! YEEEEEHAAAAAA!!!

[flyingscot]

Some cool interviews on Velonews
http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/10206.0.html

Evans looks shell-shocked, Rasmussen sticks the boot into Menchov and Schleck says Floyd is "a f***ing strong rider"

Great stuff

[JohnS]

It's a lot easier to be a tactical/strategic "genius" DS when you have someone like Lance or Jan on your team. Without them, you're just an alsoran.

[Elefantino]

I amend what I said yesterday ...

"A Floyd" is not a bonk.

"A Floyd" is ... is ... well ... what the hell would you call it, anyway? "The Look" is minor league by comparison, and I loved "The Look."

In the years I have left in this sport — heck, in the years I have left on this Earth — I can only hope that one day I have "A Floyd."

The final result doesn't matter. Today made me happy that I love cycling.

:) :banana: :)

[Climb01742]

In the years I have left in this sport — heck, in the years I have left on this Earth — I can only hope that one day I have "A Floyd."

+10!

you said it, ele-bro.

[inGobwetrust]

The final result doesn't matter. Today made me happy that I love cycling.

:) :banana: :)

Amen! It won't even matter to me if he doesn't win the race at this point. I'm just happy to have seen such an inspiring performance.

[goonster]

I was stuck somewhere this morning without internet access, but was told the result at lunch and couldn't believe it.

Just watched the whole thing and still can't get the grin off my face. Truly awesome.


Celebrated with a couple of pints here:

http://www.jeffbearer.com/albums/november_beertour/2004_11_11_15_05_35.sized.jpg

Go Floyd! :beer:

[flydhest]

comment aimez-vous ces pommes la?

[hybridbellbaske]

I know its not very likely that I will ever meet up with any you guys and gals- but in case we ever do I would like to place it on record now that I am not copying Floyd.

I have always had ginger hair, and, since about 1993, have had a silly looking looking little goatee and moustache.

Although if I did'nt already have them -the moustache and goatee-I would start growing them now.

[Climb01742]

we all saw history yesterday. we were witnesses to greatness. how freakin' cool is that?

and if i may be corny, we shared it. how cool is_that_? thanks ben for our community. and thanks to_you_, the community. i'm glad i wasn't the only one who had a silly grin on my face all day and even watching it again last night, jumped up and down. even mrs climb, who's pretty sick of me and the tour right about now, was jazzed last night.

thanks, floyd. thanks a lot.

[Ray]

we all saw history yesterday. we were witnesses to greatness. how freakin' cool is that?

and if i may be corny, we shared it. how cool is_that_? thanks ben for our community. and thanks to_you_, the community. i'm glad i wasn't the only one who had a silly grin on my face all day and even watching it again last night, jumped up and down. even mrs climb, who's pretty sick of me and the tour right about now, was jazzed last night.

thanks, floyd. thanks a lot.
Yeah, here and elsewhere, this was one of those instantly amazing shared experiences that just seems to take people by storm. First, I'm sitting, standing, jumping up and down, in front of the TV, thoroughly blown away by what I'm seeing, wondering if this is being fully appreciated. Then the internet starts going crazy with pronouncements about what an amazing thing is happening/just happened/made history. Then I'm out walking my dog and neighbors who know I'm into cycling (but who really aren't all that into it themselves) catch me on the street and start talking about what an amazing thing happened today at the Tour. Old friends call to talk about it. The only people who seem less than impressed are my wife and teenage daughters, but they roll their eyes at how over the top I am about this stuff all the time :)

I'm trying to remember another sporting performance that became such an instant classic - a couple of Michael Jordan playoff games come to mind, Don Larson's perfect game in the world series (just a few years back on that one), the Red Sox coming back from the grave against the Yankees in their World Series year, "the Catch" from Montana to Clark, Tiger's first Masters win? There have been a few, but this one's right up there and is more meaningful to me.

And, oh yeah, Floyd rode that stage at somewhere between 23 and 24 mph, over just a couple of major mountains, basically solo. That's just sick.

-Ray

[davids]

we all saw history yesterday. we were witnesses to greatness. how freakin' cool is that?

and if i may be corny, we shared it. how cool is_that_? thanks ben for our community. and thanks to_you_, the community. i'm glad i wasn't the only one who had a silly grin on my face all day and even watching it again last night, jumped up and down. even mrs climb, who's pretty sick of me and the tour right about now, was jazzed last night.

thanks, floyd. thanks a lot.
And a personal thanks to you, Climb. I stayed away from the Forum on Wednesday so I could watch stage 16 without knowing the result (at a friend's - no OLN in the City!) Very early Thursday, I sat down at the PC to see what everyone here had to say about Floyd's collapse.

After I finished reading those threads, and checking out the reports & videos on cyclingnews.com, I saw your first post. It was the only one at the time. I thought, "Ah, it's only 8 am - It can't give away too much. I might as well see what James has to say." As soon as I read your words (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=233323&postcount=1), I thought, "***?!? Floyd can't be attacking!" and I was clicking back to cyclingnews and EuroSport.

I cancelled two meetings yesterday morning, and sat in front of my office PC, listening to the EuroSport and hitting the F5 key on the cyclingnews live update page every 30 seconds, with a disbelieving grin on my face... I think I added a few huzzahs to this thread, too...

I went back to my friend's last night to watch stage 17 with him, and it was great to see the TV coverage. But following it live, and sharing it with this forum, was pretty effen amazing.

[Andreu]

Yesterday was a breath of fresh air to the Tdf and cycling in general after the monotony we have had for the last n years in France. Naturally, I want the Spanish to win but if Landis wins (which he is more than likely to do in the TT) then "hats off" and an "huzzah!" to a worthy champion.

[theprep]

The most amazing ride I have ever seen. Let's all FLIP our stems!!

[sailorboy]

they're gettin' in touch with their inner mennonite now atmo.
"We Amish (sorta mennonites) do everything you all do plus half again" Floyd was bowling 15 frames instead of 10 today methinks.

[Moveitfred]

Floyd breaks away with, what, like 500 kilometers to go. He's out there solo pounding water like a dehydrated monkey for hours. Seconds count as he fights his way back into contention. Much respect and awe, but here's my question: How does he take care of the "natural breaks?" If I drank--as Ventura reported this morning--70 water bottles, I'd be stopping every 5 minutes no matter how much I was sweatin'.

[gasman]

Floyd breaks away with, what, like 500 kilometers to go. He's out there solo pounding water like a dehydrated monkey for hours. Seconds count as he fights his way back into contention. Much respect and awe, but here's my question: How does he take care of the "natural breaks?" If I drank--as Ventura reported this morning--70 water bottles, I'd be stopping every 5 minutes no matter how much I was sweatin'.

Took care of business in his shorts-yo.

[Climb01742]

Took care of business in his shorts-yo.

gives new meaning to "riding in yellow".

[Ray]

Floyd breaks away with, what, like 500 kilometers to go. He's out there solo pounding water like a dehydrated monkey for hours. Seconds count as he fights his way back into contention. Much respect and awe, but here's my question: How does he take care of the "natural breaks?" If I drank--as Ventura reported this morning--70 water bottles, I'd be stopping every 5 minutes no matter how much I was sweatin'.
Something like 60-65 of those got dumped over his head - not into his gut.

-Ray

[Jiwa Jiwa]

In the years I have left in this sport — heck, in the years I have left on this Earth — I can only hope that one day I have "A Floyd."

The final result doesn't matter. Today made me happy that I love cycling.

:) :banana: :)

So so so so so true! How nice will it feel to OutLandis someone or something, and realize...aaah, FLOYD!

Man, for all the nasty pro cycling "truths" that have shown themselves recently, for this cycling nobody, FLOYD's performance was a sweet reminder that sometimes fire and potential and desire win in the end.

FLOYD!®tm

[oracle]

I hope FLoyd doesn't get busted for smack tonight imho.



well, it would seem that shino officially called it............

[Climb01742]

wow, how long ago that day feels now.