Tour de France *LIVE* *SPOILERS*

[Elefantino]

Figured we'd start here.

[oldpotatoe]

Figured we'd start here.

NBC Gold, unfortunately with AP, commercials, on desk top-non..but Phil
And Bobke...good commentary...

[Elefantino]

Interesting to see if Dimension Data DS Rolf Aldag stays or quits. Apparently he's hot about Cav being left off the team and was loud about it before the start of today's stage.

[GregL]

NBC Gold, unfortunately with AP, commercials, on desk top-non..but Phil
And Bobke...good commentary...
If you use the NBC Sports app, choose "Cycling Pass" and you can watch the race ad-free, with Robbie McEwen and (I believe...) Matthew Keenan commentating.

Greg

[abr5]

Great tip! Saves me from having to listen to Chris Horner... 5 minutes of his back and forth with Christian was enough to reinforce my dislike for them both.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[fignon's barber]

NBC Gold, unfortunately with AP, commercials, on desk top-non..but Phil
And Bobke...good commentary...

I Like Phil and Bobke. Horner is brutal. He just diagnosed G Thomas with "concussion effect". When schlanger corrected him and said, just to clarify, Thomas was not diagnosed with concussion, Horner says " hey, he got stiches in his head. they means you have a concussion of some sort."

[Elefantino]

Got a nice shout-out on Eurosport. Thanks, Carlton!

[oldpotatoe]

If you use the NBC Sports app, choose "Cycling Pass" and you can watch the race ad-free, with Robbie McEwen and (I believe...) Matthew Keenan commentating.

Greg

Done and thanks...the Phil and Bobke team is no big deal, even Horner and the guy on the motorcycle but don’t need to see (another!) Lexus, Daytona, Honeywell ad...

[oldpotatoe]

Interesting to see if Dimension Data DS Rolf Aldag stays or quits. Apparently he's hot about Cav being left off the team and was loud about it before the start of today's stage.

??who made that decision then? If not the DIRECTOR?

[oldpotatoe]

5 helicopters parked next to race route at 60km to go. Wonder why? Big $ people watching? Bugno driving any of them?

[Elefantino]

??who made that decision then? If not the DIRECTOR?
Doug Ryder, the team principal.

[belopsky]

Is there anywhere to see speed and watts as they're riding?

[Elefantino]

Fuglsang. Ouch.

[Mzilliox]

so close, was really hoping Sagan took that for his confidence, nice ride

[dbnm]

very exciting stage 1

[Elefantino]

so close, was really hoping Sagan took that for his confidence, nice ride
Sagan will wear green tomorrow.

He may not give up that jersey.

[ntb1001]

If you use the NBC Sports app, choose "Cycling Pass" and you can watch the race ad-free, with Robbie McEwen and (I believe...) Matthew Keenan commentating.



Greg



Seems like here in Canada on Sportsnet we get the feed with Robbie McEwen....no Horner or Phil.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ruimteaapje]

18th Dutch rider to wear the yellow jersey but the first since 1989

[Elefantino]

18th Dutch rider to wear the yellow jersey but the first since 1989

Breukink was a doper. Does that count? :eek:

[azrider]

Great stage.

Peter who? 🤣🤣

Hope Fulsang starts tomorrow

And I hope they stop with all the Cavendish drama. Dude should not be invited “just because” he’s done it 12 years in a row. You’ve been non factor for past couple Tour’s.....time to move on

[Ruimteaapje]

Breukink was a doper. Does that count? :eek:
With PDM most likely and with ONCE no doubt (start of the EPO era) but I don't recall any doping accusations from his time with Panasonic

[Elefantino]

This was Nibali yesterday, avoiding the crash of his teammate, Caruso, by jumping a 3" curb.

Fuglsang didn't have the same reflexes.

https://twitter.com/RenaudB31/status/1147606446525296640

[BdaGhisallo]

Seems like here in Canada on Sportsnet we get the feed with Robbie McEwen....no Horner or Phil.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I am VPNing into the Eurosport player and getting the best coverage. No more Phil that's for sure. He was good in the 80s when I started following cycling - I can recite his commentary into for the stage to La Plagne in the 87 TdF from memory I watched that vhs tape so many times! - but he is past his sell by date.

[fignon's barber]

This was Nibali yesterday, avoiding the crash of his teammate, Caruso, by jumping a 3" curb.

Fuglsang didn't have the same reflexes.

https://twitter.com/RenaudB31/status/1147606446525296640


Nice video catch, hadn't scene that. Fuglsang was right on Nibs wheel, and didn't have a chance. Nibs was lucky he had a clear view and plenty of distance to react.

[soulspinner]

This was Nibali yesterday, avoiding the crash of his teammate, Caruso, by jumping a 3" curb.

Fuglsang didn't have the same reflexes.

https://twitter.com/RenaudB31/status/1147606446525296640

just another day at work...………..

[Elefantino]

LeMond: "I keep hearing about Valverde losing 5 kilos. If he really lost 5 kilos and he's the same condition as in the Tour, in theory, in mathematically, he should win the Tour."

https://sporza.be/nl/2019/07/06/lemond/

[Bruce K]

Early in TTT - INEOS wrecked themselves for Thomas

We’ll see how f the time holds up...

BK

[oldpotatoe]

Early in TTT - INEOS wrecked themselves for Thomas

We’ll see how f the time holds up...

BK

Astana with disc brakes..for a dry, flat, TT...Direct Energy too...surprised TREK isn't..
-tifosi scratch head

-:)

My face, even a couple of Cofidis(Campagnolo) riders on disc also...

oh well..wonder how many years before rim brakes are the outlier at the GTs..:eek:

[Elefantino]

Jumbo-Visma won by 20 seconds.

The gap between second place (Ineos) and 10th place (Astana) was 21 seconds.

Over a 27k time trial, that is an unbelievable win.

Fun fact: In the 29 TTTs he has started in his career, Tony Martin has won ... eight.

[paredown]

Jumbo-Visma won by 20 seconds.

The gap between second place (Ineos) and 10th place (Astana) was 21 seconds.

Over a 27k time trial, that is an unbelievable win.

Fun fact: In the 29 TTTs he has started in his career, Tony Martin has won ... eight.
Caught the last bit of this after my ride this AM--that was a lovely ride--one gapped rider with about 2+ k to go, tightened up and a rocking finish...

So our Dutch leader, Mike Teunissen will be in yellow for at least one more day:banana:

[joosttx]

Jumbo-Visma won by 20 seconds.

The gap between second place (Ineos) and 10th place (Astana) was 21 seconds.

Over a 27k time trial, that is an unbelievable win.

Fun fact: In the 29 TTTs he has started in his career, Tony Martin has won ... eight.

As I predicted, this is Tony Martin’s year.

However more importantly, a Dutch woman won the XC MTB in Andorra today.

[rwsaunders]

As I predicted (again), this is Tony Martin’s year.

Houston....as you know, Tony Martin doesn’t use a Garmin while he’s team TT’ing...he decides what time they finish.

[Bruce K]

And fairly quietly...

Wout Van Aert is in the White Jersey!

Cross is coming!!

BK

[Elefantino]

And fairly quietly...

Wout Van Aert is in the White Jersey!

Cross is coming!!

BK
WVA is a good pick for today's stage.

[weisan]

.

[572cv]

Alaphilippe is a local guy from this region.... the internet practically went down here.:). A brave ride, he pulled it off. Cool.

[tony_mm]

GREAT!

Maybe another TdF like with Voeckler!

[denapista]

What are Alphillipe's flaws that make him a non-GC rider? Are his TT efforts horrible or something? The guy flies in the mountains.

[FlashUNC]

What are Alphillipe's flaws that make him a non-GC rider? Are his TT efforts horrible or something? The guy flies in the mountains.

He's not a pure climber and he's not a great TT'er. The same reason Gilbert was never a GC contender. Being punchy in the Ardennes ain't the same as being first up Ventoux.

[Ralph]

I stream 4 TV's (ROKU) and have one additional connected to a DVR box.

On the DVR box can watch and record from cable NBC Sports network.

However....that is on a TV I don't like to watch.

I'm looking over the NBC Sports App, and notice with the NBC Gold package, can watch the Tour on demand...ad free.

Is that what you guys are doing? How much does that cost? For a year, etc? Lots more on there beside the Tour also.

[Ruimteaapje]

He's not a pure climber and he's not a great TT'er. The same reason Gilbert was never a GC contender. Being punchy in the Ardennes ain't the same as being first up Ventoux.
Plus he pics his moments. He never showed he can be consistent during a one-week stage race let alone a three-week one

[warren128]

After many, many years of trying to get Tour coverage for free via the Internet (with spotty success), I finally gave in this year and signed up for the NBC Gold cycling pass for $54.99 for a season of cycling coverage. I signed up to watch the TDF, but I'll also be enjoying the other major covered events for the whole year whenever I have urge to check in on it. With the pass, I can watch via my phone app, on my laptop/pc, or on my Internet connected TV via my Amazon Firestick.

I'm happy with it so far.


I stream 4 TV's (ROKU) and have one additional connected to a DVR box.

On the DVR box can watch and record from cable NBC Sports network.

However....that is on a TV I don't like to watch.

I'm looking over the NBC Sports App, and notice with the NBC Gold package, can watch the Tour on demand...ad free.

Is that what you guys are doing? How much does that cost? For a year, etc? Lots more on there beside the Tour also.

[Ralph]

After many, many years of trying to get Tour coverage for free via the Internet (with spotty success), I finally gave in this year and signed up for the NBC Gold cycling pass for $54.99 for a season of cycling coverage. I signed up to watch the TDF, but I'll also be enjoying the other major covered events for the whole year whenever I have urge to check in on it. With the pass, I can watch via my phone app, on my laptop/pc, or on my Internet connected TV via my Amazon Firestick.

I'm happy with it so far.

Thanks....I just signed up for NBC Gold Cycling Pass.

[jlwdm]

An easy choice of which feed to watch on NBC Gold. Ad free with good announcers or with ads and crummy announcers.

Jeff

[jlwdm]

What are Alphillipe's flaws that make him a non-GC rider? Are his TT efforts horrible or something? The guy flies in the mountains.

Just recognize that the peloton could have caught him today if it mattered - it did not. The only team that cared was the team in yellow and Teunissen is not the kind of rider to keep up with today's pace.

TT does not mean too much this year as there is only one ITT.

Excellent riding for a stage 3.

Jeff

[bcroslin]

How refreshing to check into my hotel in Dublin and flip on the TV and have the choice of watching the tour in English or French. No pirate feeds, no $50 for NBC crap, just flip 2 channels and there you go. I love Europe.

[Bruce K]

1. Lance being interviewed by the NBC broadcast team. Not seamless with a few awkward moments but an interesting development.

2. New moto trikes for many of them cameras and neutral support. It’s about time. Much more stable = greater safety for all.

BK

[saab2000]

How refreshing to check into my hotel in Dublin and flip on the TV and have the choice of watching the tour in English or French. No pirate feeds, no $50 for NBC crap, just flip 2 channels and there you go. I love Europe.

The $50 NBC feed is commercial-free is is the exact same feed as the other channels.

[GregL]

The $50 NBC feed is commercial-free is is the exact same feed as the other channels.
And the NBC annual subscription covers many other races including the Vuelta, road and cross worlds, and several other one-day races and stage races.

Greg

[Elefantino]

1. Lance being interviewed by the NBC broadcast team. Not seamless with a few awkward moments but an interesting development.

2. New moto trikes for many of them cameras and neutral support. It’s about time. Much more stable = greater safety for all.

BK

That's one way to put it.

"Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling." - Pat McQuaid

[FlashUNC]

1. Lance being interviewed by the NBC broadcast team. Not seamless with a few awkward moments but an interesting development.



It's as if NBC just keeps piling on reasons to keep me from watching.

[redir]

God those bunch sprints are so stressful to watch.

[Elefantino]

What a wonderful leadout by Morkov and Richeze, and what a brutal finish by Groenewegen. He had van Aert and Teunissen leading him out but sat up. He's probably still feeling the effects of his crash.

[jb_11]

The $50 NBC feed is commercial-free is is the exact same feed as the other channels.

$55 this year. They keep raising the rate every year. I just couldn't justify it anymore.

[GregL]

$55 this year. They keep raising the rate every year. I just couldn't justify it anymore.
To me, $55 is cheap for HD-quality, advertisement-free pro cycling coverage. And that covers the TdF, Vuelta, World Championships (road, MTB, and cyclocross), and many one-day and stage races. You can watch live or replays anywhere with sufficient wifi coverage. For a guy who remembers getting cycling race coverage two-four weeks after the fact from VeloNews or a 30 minute ESPN daily highlight show at 12AM, the NBC Sports coverage is a bargain.

Greg

[tony_mm]

That's one way to put it.



"Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling." - Pat McQuaid



+1

A shame to still see Lance Amstrong!

[pdmtong]

1. Lance being interviewed by the NBC broadcast team. Not seamless with a few awkward moments but an interesting development.
2. New moto trikes for many of them cameras and neutral support. It’s about time. Much more stable = greater safety for all.
BK
A few stages ago we had to endure him mis-pronouncing jakobs name and then George on his knees bowing about his skill in avoiding major crashes....

[denapista]

It's obvious America is desperate for any coverage of pro cycling, and let's be honest... Good or Bad, Lance is the only name synonymous with cycling in this country. He was as popular as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan or any other huge mega star. Outside of Lance the casual fan doesn't know anything about cycling. Mainstream media knows this and they're trying to put him in front of the cameras slowly but surely on his image recovery campaign.

The guy oozes sleezeball to me in every fashion. The way he keeps making fun of Hincapie's wife being a trophy presenter, seems like a creep move. Like he's taking shots at Hincapie for marrying someone that presented stage trophies. It's so weird.. "George's wife is from France!"

[Elefantino]

Katusha-Alpecin is toast at the end of the season. The German shampoo maker will take its dollars to Correndon-Circus to help get that team and a certain Mr. van der Poel to the World Tour.

It's great shampoo, BTW. Really works.

[Big Dan]

Turned the TV off when Lance came on.

[saab2000]

To me, $55 is cheap for HD-quality, advertisement-free pro cycling coverage. And that covers the TdF, Vuelta, World Championships (road, MTB, and cyclocross), and many one-day and stage races. You can watch live or replays anywhere with sufficient wifi coverage. For a guy who remembers getting cycling race coverage two-four weeks after the fact from VeloNews or a 30 minute ESPN daily highlight show at 12AM, the NBC Sports coverage is a bargain.

Greg

Totally agreed. I like the á la carte option and being ad-free it's very much worth it to me even if I only watch part of it.

I don't subscribe to cable TV so this is way cheaper than if I try to find it included in a package that has NBCSN with their incessant commercials.

Additionally, the Australian commentators are excellent.

[redir]

I knew that was gonna happen.

[Alan]

The fun begins tomorrow. Will be interesting to sort out GC contenders.

Alan

[Elefantino]

The fun begins tomorrow. Will be interesting to sort out GC contenders.

Alan
Oof. The 20% ramp is bad enough but then a gravel section leading to a 24% finish!

[jlwdm]

Glad to see a mountain top finish. Too many mountain stages not finishing on top of a mountain for a number of years. Finishing on a mountain top is much more difficult logistically though.

Jeff

[bward1028]

We are in Mulhouse right now. Had thought about watching the finish but the logistics of getting up there and back out seemed very difficult. Not sure how they do it with all the team gear and the podium and everything.

[benb]

I was in Colmar right at the 2km marker today leaning over the barriers with my wife, son, and brother in law. We got in about 2 hours before the peloton and had lunch and got into place.

Got some souvenirs and injected a good bit of cycling enthusiasm into my son.

It really isn’t a lot to see in person but the anticipation and the crowd is really exciting. It was sweet to see everyone waiting around to make sure every rider to the last got cheered.

I’ll share some pictures when I get home I’m not set up to get the pictures off my camera on the road.

[paredown]

I was in Colmar right at the 2km marker today leaning over the barriers with my wife, son, and brother in law. We got in about 2 hours before the peloton and had lunch and got into place.

Got some souvenirs and injected a good bit of cycling enthusiasm into my son.

It really isn’t a lot to see in person but the anticipation and the crowd is really exciting. It was sweet to see everyone waiting around to make sure every rider to the last got cheered.

I’ll share some pictures when I get home I’m not set up to get the pictures off my camera on the road.
That was a good finish today--a thinned out bunch, some freelancing going on. Nice ride by Boasson Hagan to get back on after his mechanical!

[OtayBW]

That was a good finish today--a thinned out bunch, some freelancing going on. Nice ride by Boasson Hagan to get back on after his mechanical!I really enjoyed the finish. Like him or not (I do...), It was awesome seeing Sagan just bolt right through at the end. Game over! :banana:

[GonaSovereign]

To me, $55 is cheap for HD-quality, advertisement-free pro cycling coverage. And that covers the TdF, Vuelta, World Championships (road, MTB, and cyclocross), and many one-day and stage races. You can watch live or replays anywhere with sufficient wifi coverage. For a guy who remembers getting cycling race coverage two-four weeks after the fact from VeloNews or a 30 minute ESPN daily highlight show at 12AM, the NBC Sports coverage is a bargain.

Greg

What's the trick to getting the ad-free version? I signed up for the NBC Sports Gold, and it's 50% ads here on my computer.

[GregL]

What's the trick to getting the ad-free version? I signed up for the NBC Sports Gold, and it's 50% ads here on my computer.
If your viewing from a PC using the NBC Sports Gold website, just select the ad-free feed.

[Jaybee]

Lotto is killing it today.


(25 min later)...

Lotto was killing it.

[redir]

I love those slow motion finishes :D

[GonaSovereign]

If your viewing from a PC using the NBC Sports Gold website, just select the ad-free feed.

Thanks!

[dbnm]

Another exciting stage. A great Tour so far.

[Clean39T]

JA went so deep to try to keep the jersey...what a finish!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[LegendRider]

To me, $55 is cheap for HD-quality, advertisement-free pro cycling coverage. And that covers the TdF, Vuelta, World Championships (road, MTB, and cyclocross), and many one-day and stage races. You can watch live or replays anywhere with sufficient wifi coverage. For a guy who remembers getting cycling race coverage two-four weeks after the fact from VeloNews or a 30 minute ESPN daily highlight show at 12AM, the NBC Sports coverage is a bargain.

Greg

I called VeloNews' 900 number to find out Lance had won the worlds in 1993. (Told my girlfriend - now wife - ahead of time so there would be no misunderstanding :p)

[Jaybee]

I love those slow motion finishes :D

Amazing that he stayed upright while doing his victory salute. 21% is stupid steep.

[galgal]

JA went so deep to try to keep the jersey...what a finish!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Indeed. And if Ciccone hadn't picked up the 8 second bonus by a whisker over Wellens for being first over previous summit, JA would still be in yellow. Have to admit, didn't think JA could hang with GC contenders over this stage. They guy doesn't cease to surprise.

[chiasticon]

If your viewing from a PC using the NBC Sports Gold website, just select the ad-free feed.why do even they give the option for the ad-filled viewing? or is that all you get if you want to use Chromecast or view replays or something...? the non ad-free one is ridiculous. it's three minutes of commercials, one minute of Bob Roll BS, show the guys in the break, then back to commercials...

[denapista]

Considering everyone was saying JA would fade on today's stage, what do you think his chances are in the Tour? Was today's stage one for the puncheur type of rider when everyone thought it was one for the pure climbers?

How did all of the pure climbers lose to the punchy guys?

I see stage 15 as one for the Pinot types to take control of the tour.

[FlashUNC]

Considering everyone was saying JA would fade on today's stage, what do you think his chances are in the Tour? Was today's stage one for the puncheur type of rider when everyone thought it was one for the pure climbers?

How did all of the pure climbers lose to the punchy guys?

I see stage 15 as one for the Pinot types to take control of the tour.

JA's chances in the Tour are still zero. Not his kind of race other than stage hunting and maybe the opportunistic polka dot jersey.

[Jaybee]

JA's chances in the Tour are still zero. Not his kind of race other than stage hunting and maybe the opportunistic polka dot jersey.


This. I don't think any of the real contenders did anything besides follow moves til the final km. i guess Landa tried something with 2.5k to go. They kind of let JA hang in there by not hammering the early climbs, and he's good on short steep stuff like that finish.

[cgolvin]

Two thoughts from today:

1. Those are some of the toughest mofos in the world (ok, that's every day but today's finish was incredibly hard).
2. That is the smoothest "gravel" I have ever seen, a better surface than many of our paved roads.

[Clean39T]

This. I don't think any of the real contenders did anything besides follow moves til the final km. i guess Landa tried something with 2.5k to go. They kind of let JA hang in there by not hammering the early climbs, and he's good on short steep stuff like that finish.

Uhh, seemed like the hammer was dropped pretty hard from about 10K to go trying to bring back the break - and if QuickStep would have put guys on the front, JA would still be in yellow - maybe he wanted to keep the jersey more than Lafevere?

G. Thomas' bridge up to JA and passing him on the final steeps was a serious show of strength too, and may be indicative of his ambitions relative to where E. Bernal came in on the day.

[redir]

Amazing that he stayed upright while doing his victory salute. 21% is stupid steep.

When he got that little push I was afraid he was gonna fall over!

[ntb1001]

Really liking the tour this year.
These have been interesting stages with great finishes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OtayBW]

Two thoughts from today:

1. Those are some of the toughest mofos in the world (ok, that's every day but today's finish was incredibly hard).
2. That is the smoothest "gravel" I have ever seen, a better surface than many of our paved roads.
Yep, for sure, I live on a road with a 20% grade ~1/2 mi from my house, so I can appreciate the magnitude of the heft. Looked like hard packed coarse sand for that first (~20% grade) stretch, and then 'chip seal' for the final, steeper stretch. Wicked awesome, as they say....

I wonder what kind of gearing Teuns was pushing on that last bit....

[summilux]

Just watching that finish made me hurt.

It nice to see a Canadian in the top 10, particularly since this is his first tour. I wonder if EF will let him try for a Stage win.

[GregL]

Yep, for sure, I live on a road with a 20% grade ~1/2 mi from my house, so I can appreciate the magnitude of the heft. Looked like hard packed coarse sand for that first (~20% grade) stretch, and then 'chip seal' for the final, steeper stretch. Wicked awesome, as they say....

I wonder what kind of gearing Teuns was pushing on that last bit....
Not sure what Teuns used, but a local gravel race has a 1/4 mile climb that averages about 10% and peaks at 22%. I barely got up it with a 34/34 gear! Can't imagine tackling today's finishing climb at the end of a 160km stage with seven categorized climbs!

Greg

[nooneline]

How did all of the pure climbers lose to the punchy guys?

I think there was a time when "pure climber" was somebody who could go uphill really fast for a half hour or more, but I think a lot more people are able to do that now. Now, the pure climbers are people who, after 2.5 weeks of racing, when they have 3 or 4 stages like this in a row, can do climb after climb after climb.

[chiasticon]

Uhh, seemed like the hammer was dropped pretty hard from about 10K to go trying to bring back the breakyeah they were going pretty damn hard and he hung in, with a very select group. that said, I believe if they *wanted* to drop him, they would have. that wasn't the goal for the day.

yellow gave him an extra gear today and he's for sure an incredible talent. but now that he's lost it, when they hit more simultaneous mountain stages, and it's into the third week, how will he do?

[Jaybee]

yeah they were going pretty damn hard and he hung in, with a very select group. that said, I believe if they *wanted* to drop him, they would have. that wasn't the goal for the day.

yellow gave him an extra gear today and he's for sure an incredible talent. but now that he's lost it, when they hit more simultaneous mountain stages, and it's into the third week, how will he do?

This is kinda what I meant - not that there wasn’t a selection, but everyone was saving a few matches for the finish.

It will also be interesting to see how QS manages their resources since their main GC guy lost a couple minutes today.

[Clean39T]

yeah they were going pretty damn hard and he hung in, with a very select group. that said, I believe if they *wanted* to drop him, they would have. that wasn't the goal for the day.

yellow gave him an extra gear today and he's for sure an incredible talent. but now that he's lost it, when they hit more simultaneous mountain stages, and it's into the third week, how will he do?

He'll be going for stage wins at that point I suspect - unless he's hanging around in the top-ten somehow.. Stranger things have happened.

[Drmojo]

the last block up to my house
in SF
no wonder I was strong
(1987-1990)
that was then
this is now
sigh

[pdmtong]

Haven't heard anyone refer to the contenders as the "heads of state"

RIP

[weisan]

Fuglsang did well, all things considered.

[pdmtong]

A valiant effort from Alaphilippe too. Many expected him to lose yellow but perhaps not in these circumstances. He attacked from the bunch in order to save his jersey but came up short.
The big winner on GC today was Thomas. Only a few seconds on handful of GC rivals but this was his most important ride since last year's Tour de France and he delivered. He caught Alaphillipe before the line and put time into all of his rivals, including teammate Bernal. Here's what Thomas had to say at the finish:

"I felt pretty good. I thought it would be more of a solid day, it’s never easy, but it was steady over the first few climbs. When Movistar went, Valverde was riding and it was solid. I was feeling good but I was unsure about … with the steep climbs not really my cup of tea, as they say.
"I was expecting Richie [Porte], Nairo [Quintana], Egan [Bernal], obviously, to go up there, and [Adam] Yates.
"I was hoping it would be harder all day, but it was a decent day.
"It’s one of those climbs that you really have to be patient and when [Julian] Alaphilippe went, at 800 metres to go or something like that, I had the confidence to let him go, ride my own tempo and then drive it all the way to the line from 350 metres. I started to blow, though, but it was solid. It’s decent." (Eurosport)

[Elefantino]

This is how we felt after our flight to NYC was delayed, delayed, delayed and then canceled last night.

[OtayBW]

This is how we felt after our flight to NYC was delayed, delayed, delayed and then canceled last night.
Great pic! Even better watching it live!

[Jaybee]

So who is taking this sprint? 1.6km of pretty much straight finish, should be able to get the whole train in place and launch your guy.

[Bruce K]

Tejay Van G got wrecked early on today. Hit a curb and concrete pole at 7 km in.

He finished the sage inside the time cut but may have a broken hand. No concussion but he has cuts and bruises on his face and elsewhere.

The guy can’t catch a break!

BK

[grateful]

I am tuned into the Tour more so than years past. Working from home, Tour on in the background, being able to rewind when I missed something due to my damn job.

It really appears to me that there is much less of a gap between #1; #2... #20. Definitely entertaining, almost half way through the Tour and I am still holding out hope for Sagan to win it all. 5 years ago was wondering who would win 4th place.

Seeing the "Head of State" contain 30 riders struggling to turn the pedals is something new. Exciting in a different way.

I do miss the "on another planet" excursions for entertainment value on occasions just like I sometime miss the excitement of the McGuire/Sosa battles. I realize that it is not real but that is entertainment.

Excuse me but the latest WWF episode is about to commence.

Brad

[Jaybee]

Tejay Van G got wrecked early on today. Hit a curb and concrete pole at 7 km in.

He finished the sage inside the time cut but may have a broken hand. No concussion but he has cuts and bruises on his face and elsewhere.

The guy can’t catch a break!

BK

Broken thumb. Out. Bummer

[denapista]

Sagan will have to lose so many kilos to be able to contend for the Tour win. There was a super good article written a couple of years ago, on what needs to occur for Sagan to win the Tour.

It just feels like all of the good veteran guys legs are cooked and they've aged in front of our eyes. Where's the new young developed talent? Uran, Nibali, Porte, etc... Those guys are old in TDF years.

[e-RICHIE]

Sagan will have to lose so many kilos to be able to contend for the Tour win. There was a super good article written a couple of years ago, on what needs to occur for Sagan to win the Tour.




?? Why even write that article. Not everyone is a grand tour body type. Sagan would never be one. Could never be one.

[OtayBW]

Sagan will have to lose so many kilos to be able to contend for the Tour win. There was a super good article written a couple of years ago, on what needs to occur for Sagan to win the Tour.

It just feels like all of the good veteran guys legs are cooked and they've aged in front of our eyes. Where's the new young developed talent? Uran, Nibali, Porte, etc... Those guys are old in TDF years.
IMO, Sagan is entertaining, talented, and good for the sport - whatever his weight class....

[jlwdm]

I am tuned into the Tour more so than years past. Working from home, Tour on in the background, being able to rewind when I missed something due to my damn job.

It really appears to me that there is much less of a gap between #1; #2... #20. Definitely entertaining, almost half way through the Tour and I am still holding out hope for Sagan to win it all. 5 years ago was wondering who would win 4th place.

Seeing the "Head of State" contain 30 riders struggling to turn the pedals is something new. Exciting in a different way.

I do miss the "on another planet" excursions for entertainment value on occasions just like I sometime miss the excitement of the McGuire/Sosa battles. I realize that it is not real but that is entertainment.

Excuse me but the latest WWF episode is about to commence.

Brad

We are just a 1/3 through the tour and have had only one mountain stage. Everyone waited until the end. No more mountains for almost another week.

So it is hard to say who is strong yet. But we do know Sagan will lose boatloads of time in the mountains.

Jeff

[FlashUNC]

Sagan will have to lose so many kilos to be able to contend for the Tour win. There was a super good article written a couple of years ago, on what needs to occur for Sagan to win the Tour.

It just feels like all of the good veteran guys legs are cooked and they've aged in front of our eyes. Where's the new young developed talent? Uran, Nibali, Porte, etc... Those guys are old in TDF years.

I put this in the same category as all elephants need to do is sprout wings, lose a couple tons, change their entire aerodynamic profile and they too could fly like birds.

[VTCaraco]

What's the yellow "B" on the stage profile?
https://cdn.cyclingstage.com/images/tour-de-france/2019/stage-8-jaillere.jpg

[OtayBW]

What's the yellow "B" on the stage profile?

Ball Buster...Wild guess....

[VTCaraco]

Ball Buster...Wild guess....

That was my wife's guess, too.

[FL_MarkD]

The 'B' apparently means time bonus to the first rider.

From the Cyclingnews stage description:

" it has also been designated as one of the eight point-bonus, which are intended to spice up the battle for the yellow jersey. A rider close to the lead who can take the eight seconds at the summit and then hold on to claim the 10-second bonus awarded for winning the stage could end up scooping quite a jackpot"

I think Cicccone received the bonus during stage 6 and that made the difference to put him in yellow over Alaphillipe.

[oldpotatoe]

We are just a 1/3 through the tour and have had only one mountain stage. Everyone waited until the end. No more mountains for almost another week.

So it is hard to say who is strong yet. But we do know Sagan will lose boatloads of time in the mountains.

Jeff

Guess your definition of a 'mountain' stage is different than mine..138km thru today and going up a 13% grade..another to follow, another after that..
Plus another 3 categorized climbs tomorrow..certainly none of the 200km flat, flat stages of the past.

[tony_mm]

Today it is “hilly” (definition of the Tour de France)
https://www.letour.fr/en/stage-8

[Jaybee]

I think I'm developing a crush on Alaphillipe. What a badass.

[galgal]

In yellow on Bastille Day. Way to go JA:hello:

[jlwdm]

Guess your definition of a 'mountain' stage is different than mine..138km thru today and going up a 13% grade..another to follow, another after that..
Plus another 3 categorized climbs tomorrow..certainly none of the 200km flat, flat stages of the past.

Yes, I use the tour definition. This is a hilly stage and not a stage for the overall contenders. Sagan coming in 5th in the bunch should have made this obvious.

The tour really starts next Thursday with three mountain stages and the only ITT in 4 days.

Jeff

[grateful]

Sagan can win the Tour, who else can wheelie up d'Huez minimizing the drag from two wheels down to one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQCw7MaI-sU

[crankles]

?? Why even write that article. Not everyone is a grand tour body type. Sagan would never be one. Could never be one.

I would have thought that same of Geraint Thomas 5 or 6 years back....

[pbarry]

I would have thought that same of Geraint Thomas 5 or 6 years back....
Or young LA..

[weisan]

When I grow up, I don't want to be a sprinter, or a climber or a classic or a GC rider, I just want to be Thomas De Gendt.

[redir]

The break didn't get a break from the peloton today. IT seems that on any normal day with riders like that they would have been way out front but the main bunch just kept pushing on. I was really hoping to see my man Ben King get a stage win. There's still time.

[cgolvin]

When I grow up, I don't want to be a sprinter, or a climber or a classic or a GC rider, I just want to be Thomas De Gendt.


That was an awe-inspiring performance

[galgal]

^ yes, that was a tremendous ride by de Gendt! In a stage that Sagan eloquently summed up as f-g hard. Speaking of Sagan, not sure why the topic of the day on this thread became Sagan winning the TdF in the future. Surprised that no one has mentioned the obvious path for his doing so. All he has to do is join Ineos. You know, the team that took a track cyclist in Sir Wiggo, who famously was reduced to carrying rather than riding his bike on a Giro mountain stage, and turned him into a TdF winner. QED.

[jlwdm]

^ yes, that was a tremendous ride by de Gendt! In a stage that Sagan eloquently summed up as f-g hard. Speaking of Sagan, not sure why the topic of the day on this thread became Sagan winning the TdF in the future. Surprised that no one has mentioned the obvious path for his doing so. All he has to do is join Ineos. You know, the team that took a track cyclist in Sir Wiggo, who famously was reduced to carrying rather than riding his bike on a Giro mountain stage, and turned him into a TdF winner. QED.

Very different builds between Wiggins and Sagan.

Jeff

[Mzilliox]

I think I'm developing a crush on Alaphillipe. What a badass.

this:hello:

[bcroslin]

A little OT but is anyone watching TDF via Fubo’s cycling package or is it only accessible with Fubo's full package that includes NBC sports?

[572cv]

We’re in Laguiole to watch the Tour come through.... its about 66 klicks into the race from St Flour, and there is, at present, about a 15-20mph tailwind. Yikes. These guys are going to be flying through here if this persists. The arrival time is predicted between 1:30 and 2:00 (13:30-14:00) this afternoon. Laguiole is up at about 1000 meters altitude. Beautiful open rolling countryside, here. There are about 50 police scattered through town and the whole place is now blocked off, at 11:30. That’s it for now.

[benb]

I just got back from France last night.

Seems like a really exciting Tour to me so far.

Kind of a let down to be home though. Yesterday I took the TGV from Strasbourg to Paris and everyone was watching the Tour on the train via Wifi. Then getting through Charles De Gaulle airport in the afternoon there was literally no place in in the air port where the Tour wasn't on the TV. Wall to wall coverage and everyone was excited.

I had to get on the plane and missed the finish yesterday.. just feels like we've had 2-3 days of great finishes with a lot of drama, just the way I like it.

Stage 5 when we were in Colmar at the 2km marker it was nuts to see the lead group come through the whole group whizzed by in < 5 seconds... stupendously fast. The grupettos, etc.. came through dramatically slower.

[weisan]

Oh gosh!

I was watching on the tiny little screen on my phone with the sound turned off...at first I thought it was Dylan....then later I realized it was Wout!!!

Beating the "who's who" of the sprinter class?

Wow!

That's unprecedented.

http://alicehui.com/bike/rides/wout.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/rides/wout4.jpg

[Bruce K]

CX isn't just coming - IT'S HERE!!!

WVA is an amazingly powerful rider when it's time to go.

And Aliphilipe is still a bada$$.

Great stage.

BK

[FlashUNC]

Wout was the most consistent rider throughout the Spring Classics campaign, and probably would have given Gilbert a run at Roubaix if not for his string of bad luck in the race.

Kid has a motor.

[Lewis Moon]

Wout was the most consistent rider throughout the Spring Classics campaign, and probably would have given Gilbert a run at Roubaix if not for his string of bad luck in the race.

Kid has a motor.

My question is whether we'll see him on a CX bike again...With MvdP tearing it up in CX and MTB, maybe Wout's niche will be the classics.

[FlashUNC]

My question is whether we'll see him on a CX bike again...With MvdP tearing it up in CX and MTB, maybe Wout's niche will be the classics.

Extremely unlikely. You podium at Strade Bianche, top 10 at MSR and were the strongest rider at Roubaix despite some horrid luck, Jumbo Visma will more than make it up to him financially to keep him off the cross bike.

Unless he sees it as part of his prep for the road season. I'd be shocked if makes cross a priority at all going forward.

[Mark McM]

Wout was the most consistent rider throughout the Spring Classics campaign, and probably would have given Gilbert a run at Roubaix if not for his string of bad luck in the race.

Kid has a motor.

And it wasn't picked up in the bicycle technical checks?


(Just kidding :banana:)

[Lewis Moon]

Extremely unlikely. You podium at Strade Bianche, top 10 at MSR and were the strongest rider at Roubaix despite some horrid luck, Jumbo Visma will more than make it up to him financially to keep him off the cross bike.

Unless he sees it as part of his prep for the road season. I'd be shocked if makes cross a priority at all going forward.

This gives me a sad....

[jlwdm]

I am surprised not much was said about Stage 10 on Monday. This was the kind of stage that shows how important the TDF is. Echelons forming on a flat stage and some of the top gc riders taking decent time from other gc riders. Really hard riding to the finish.

Ineos as usual having their riders in position. EF saw what was coming but really executed poorly.

Jeff

[oldpotatoe]

I am surprised not much was said about Stage 10 on Monday. This was the kind of stage that shows how important the TDF is. Echelons forming on a flat stage and some of the top gc riders taking decent time from other gc riders. Really hard riding to the finish.

Ineos as usual having their riders in position. EF saw what was coming but really executed poorly.

Jeff

As did Astana(Fuglsang)

[nooneline]

I couldn't believe that George Bennet, 4th on the GC, was back getting bottles for Kruijswijk when the crosswinds hit. Every team had the same info...

[Elefantino]

I couldn't believe that George Bennet, 4th on the GC, was back getting bottles for Kruijswijk when the crosswinds hit. Every team had the same info...

Talking about it all morning on Eurosport. Conclusion: boneheaded move. But they did get the stage win because WVA is a meteor.

[Jaybee]

I'm shocked that it's ever George Bennett's job to go get bottles, let alone when they are about to turn into a crosswind.

[nooneline]

Talking about it all morning on Eurosport. Conclusion: boneheaded move. But they did get the stage win because WVA is a meteor.

gotta love those ketone esthers.

meanwhile, after winning 3 ~sprint stages with 3 different riders, Jumbo Visma is... in talks with Marcel Kittel. :confused:

[Elefantino]

gotta love those ketone esthers.

meanwhile, after winning 3 ~sprint stages with 3 different riders, Jumbo Visma is... in talks with Marcel Kittel. :confused:
That makes about as much sense as a screen-door boat hull.

[retrofit]

The official media rehabilitation of Lance Armstrong begins.

[BlueFly]

The official media rehabilitation of Lance Armstrong begins.

Yeah, not a fan. 'nough said. :fight:

[charliedid]

The official media rehabilitation of Lance Armstrong begins.

Does anyone live and breath this stuff more than Lance?

If Alex Rodriguez can talk about baseball on TV I'm okay with Lance talking about bike racing on TV

[Ruimteaapje]

That makes about as much sense as a screen-door boat hull.
This follows from an unsolicited application by Kittel who told a reporter that he would love to join Jumbo as a lead out for Groenewegen. Last night on Dutch television the Jumbo team manager replied to questions about the rumours about Dumoulin and Kittel: whereas it became clear from his evasive answers that there are serious talks with Dumoulin he was quite clear about Kittel: there are no talks with Kittel who should first get his act together.

[FlashUNC]

Does anyone live and breath this stuff more than Lance?

If Alex Rodriguez can talk about baseball on TV I'm okay with Lance talking about bike racing on TV

The better comparison is Pete Rose. And he doesn't belong on TV talking about baseball either.

[Jaybee]

I'm shocked that it's ever George Bennett's job to go get bottles, let alone when they are about to turn into a crosswind.

Answering my own question here, but this cyclingnews article (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/george-bennett-frustrated-as-accumulation-of-errors-shoves-him-down-tour-de-france-standings/) notes that on sprint days, after you account for Dylan G, Wout, and the rest of the leadout train, then figure that Kruijswijk is never going back to the car unless he has to, and that you always want someone with him JIC, it kinda falls to one or two guys, one of whom is Bennett, to do more domestique stuff. Jumbo is just stacked.

[BlueFly]

The better comparison is Pete Rose. And he doesn't belong on TV talking about baseball either.

:hello:

[Elefantino]

Good question posed elsewhere: Has Phil ever apologized for saying witnesses against Lance were paid?

Rhetorical question.

[FlashUNC]

Answering my own question here, but this cyclingnews article (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/george-bennett-frustrated-as-accumulation-of-errors-shoves-him-down-tour-de-france-standings/) notes that on sprint days, after you account for Dylan G, Wout, and the rest of the leadout train, then figure that Kruijswijk is never going back to the car unless he has to, and that you always want someone with him JIC, it kinda falls to one or two guys, one of whom is Bennett, to do more domestique stuff. Jumbo is just stacked.

They'd be better served figuring out if they're going to hunt sprint stages or the GC I think, to avoid what happened with Bennett.

[FlashUNC]

Good question posed elsewhere: Has Phil ever apologized for saying witnesses against Lance were paid?

Rhetorical question.

Deeper questions: Does Phil know what decade it is? Can he identify anyone in the pro peloton without confusing him for a rider and trade team from 1985?

[Jaybee]

They'd be better served figuring out if they're going to hunt sprint stages or the GC I think, to avoid what happened with Bennett.

Agree. I'm guessing the decision will be made for them starting tomorrow. The cascade of mistakes yesterday cost them a big card to play in the high mountains.

[cgolvin]

The better comparison is Pete Rose. And he doesn't belong on TV talking about baseball either.

I agree, but he does belong in the HoF (and I hate Pete Rose).

[weisan]

Perfection!

[nalax]

Ewan won!

[nooneline]

This follows from an unsolicited application by Kittel who told a reporter that he would love to join Jumbo as a lead out for Groenewegen. Last night on Dutch television the Jumbo team manager replied to questions about the rumours about Dumoulin and Kittel: whereas it became clear from his evasive answers that there are serious talks with Dumoulin he was quite clear about Kittel: there are no talks with Kittel who should first get his act together.

Ah, thanks. I think something often gets a little lost in translation when it hits english-language cycling media, which reported it as "Plugge admits interest in signing Kittel."

[unterhausen]

Ewan won!

That was pretty impressive. Groenewegen got a nice gap when he started to sprint.

[Ruimteaapje]

Teunissen said immediately after the race that he already feared it was not enough when he launched Groenewegen. They burned up the team too fast in the final kilometres resulting in him having to do a lead out that was too long and Groenewegen had to start his print too soon given the strong head wind.

[simonov]

The better comparison is Pete Rose. And he doesn't belong on TV talking about baseball either.

Agreed. And Lance's commentary is boring. It sounds more like he's bro'ing down with Bob Roll than adding valuable color.

[redir]

That was a workin' mans sprint right there.

[jlwdm]

For Bennett - it was a communication problem. Riders did not even need bottles.

Jeff

[Mr. Pink]

I agree, but he does belong in the HoF (and I hate Pete Rose).
I'll bet he'll be there, but not in his lifetime. That's his punishment from the veteran committee.

[Mr. Pink]

Agreed. And Lance's commentary is boring. It sounds more like he's bro'ing down with Bob Roll than adding valuable color.


I decided to check out his podcast, because he interviewed Bode Miller, and, yeah, he's just boring, and, of course, narcissistic. It was in the end, all about Lance. Bode wasn't very interesting, either.

[Mr. Pink]

The Lexus virtual reality feature is pretty dumb. It's like foozball meets modern gaming, and it's pretty silly, in the end.

[pdmtong]

Ewan won!
That was a workin' mans sprint right there.
see the rider ewan cut off (as he swung wide right to get behind DG) pound on his bars from about 50m all the way across the line...not happy

[Jeff N.]

I was shocked to see LA doing long distance Q&A with PL. Is all forgiven now?

[rustychisel]

I was shocked to see LA doing long distance Q&A with PL. Is all forgiven now?

Good sprint, but yes, a swerve at 75m from Ewen to get on the wheel. Good first win, fired up and needed the adrenalin.

I hope this thread stays on topic, but to answer: PL was always confessed LA fan and apologist, and professed to be 'shocked and let down' when the truth came out.

I didn't like it at the time, but he and Sherwen were big LA boosters (Sherwen was press officer for Motorola when LA was on board).

[Mr. Pink]

I was shocked to see LA doing long distance Q&A with PL. Is all forgiven now?

Just saw a Specialized Turbo e bike commercial that was kinda witty, with Phil Ligget blowing by Alaphilippe on a hard climb doing non stop commentary and marveling at how flat the road suddenly became, riding their top e bike. I think they should take it one step further and have Phil egging Lance on in a mother commercial with comments like, hey, Lance, I don't care how much you doped, I've got this one!

[mg2ride]

#❤️Lance Armstrong


Always have, hopefully always will

[guyintense]

see the rider ewan cut off (as he swung wide right to get behind DG) pound on his bars from about 50m all the way across the line...not happy

I was wondering if anyone else saw that, it wasn't mentioned in the broadcast, maybe tomorrow. Not sure who the rider was but he was pissed. Watch the video again and you'll see there was pretty dramatic contact.

[tony_mm]

I was wondering if anyone else saw that, it wasn't mentioned in the broadcast, maybe tomorrow. Not sure who the rider was but he was pissed. Watch the video again and you'll see there was pretty dramatic contact.I think it is Bonifazio (Team direct energie ). In his interview he complained about the phone that a spectator held in front of him.

[ScottW]

Just saw a Specialized Turbo e bike commercial that was kinda witty, with Phil Ligget blowing by Alaphilippe on a hard climb doing non stop commentary and marveling at how flat the road suddenly became, riding their top e bike.

Basically plagiarizing what Matt Stephens (formerly of GCN) posted on youtube last month... video of him lazily cruising right on by Fabian Cancellara up a long climb in Switzerland aboard Pinarello's e-bike, whistling along, taking selfies with Michi Schär. LOL
So we've got Phil in the commercial, then NBC using the "ask Peter Sagan" segment to show zero race related content, just him riding the Spesh e-bike on the rest day. :rolleyes: The e-bike whoring is almost as annoying as their daily overuse of that Lexus telestrator thingy.

[rustychisel]

I was wondering if anyone else saw that, it wasn't mentioned in the broadcast, maybe tomorrow. Not sure who the rider was but he was pissed. Watch the video again and you'll see there was pretty dramatic contact.

As we know, camera foreshortens distance, so this requires further examination... in any case, the commissars have taken no action.

The rider pounding on his handlebars appears to be baulked by the rider alongside him. He looks sharply to his immediate right when he is impeded (see the front on video).

[guyintense]

As we know, camera foreshortens distance, so this requires further examination... in any case, the commissars have taken no action.

The rider pounding on his handlebars appears to be baulked by the rider alongside him. He looks sharply to his immediate right when he is impeded (see the front on video).

Check the over head view, it's clear there was contact.

[54ny77]

love this quote:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/2019/07/15/geraint-thomas-has-coequipiers-thank-stage-10-turns-epic-battle/

"Having so many GC riders - specifically Pinot - right up there in the overall classification was not only exciting for the race, adding to the local interest and excitement, it arguably worked for Ineos, too. There has been noticeably less talk of Ineos' strength and dominance this year. That could be set to change.

Not that Brailsford will mind. Asked whether any tiny part of him felt it was a shame that Pinot in particular had lost so much time, Brailsford just laughed. “Not one iota,” he answered. “That gene does not exist in my body. I live and breathe and think all day about sticking a knife in - and when you get a chance, twisting it. That's just the nature of the sport we're in. We race to win."

What a stupid question from the reporter. While on earth should the leader of the opposing team feel there is a "shame" when a top contender screws the pooch? What did the reporter want to hear, that Brailsford wanted to give hugs to Pinot? Unbelievable.

[rustychisel]

Check the over head view, it's clear there was contact.

Fair enough. I saw the live coverage late last night (Australian time) so it was about 1.45am. Details are hazy.

[charliedid]

Basically plagiarizing what Matt Stephens (formerly of GCN) posted on youtube last month... video of him lazily cruising right on by Fabian Cancellara up a long climb in Switzerland aboard Pinarello's e-bike, whistling along, taking selfies with Michi Schär. LOL
So we've got Phil in the commercial, then NBC using the "ask Peter Sagan" segment to show zero race related content, just him riding the Spesh e-bike on the rest day. :rolleyes: The e-bike whoring is almost as annoying as their daily overuse of that Lexus telestrator thingy.

Come on!

Have a laugh :hello:

[FlashUNC]

love this quote:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/2019/07/15/geraint-thomas-has-coequipiers-thank-stage-10-turns-epic-battle/

"Having so many GC riders - specifically Pinot - right up there in the overall classification was not only exciting for the race, adding to the local interest and excitement, it arguably worked for Ineos, too. There has been noticeably less talk of Ineos' strength and dominance this year. That could be set to change.

Not that Brailsford will mind. Asked whether any tiny part of him felt it was a shame that Pinot in particular had lost so much time, Brailsford just laughed. “Not one iota,” he answered. “That gene does not exist in my body. I live and breathe and think all day about sticking a knife in - and when you get a chance, twisting it. That's just the nature of the sport we're in. We race to win."

What a stupid question from the reporter. While on earth should the leader of the opposing team feel there is a "shame" when a top contender screws the pooch? What did the reporter want to hear, that Brailsford wanted to give hugs to Pinot? Unbelievable.

No, he didn't, but you ask the question to elicit a response and try to get an interesting one. And he got a helluva quote. Mission accomplished.

[saab2000]

No, he didn't, but you ask the question to elicit a response and try to get an interesting one. And he got a helluva quote. Mission accomplished.

Yes, but it’s still a really dumb question.

Can anyone imagine asking Tom Brady or Bill Belichick if they feel bad about winning another Super Bowl or humiliating a defender on a great pass play? Athletes are in it to win it and if you have a chance to steal a minute you’d be a fool not to do so.

When opportunity knocks you must answer.

A better question would be to ask those who were left behind how they got caught with their pants down.

[jlwdm]

Probably not a lot of action on today's mountain stage with an ITT tomorrow and two bigger mountain stages this weekend.

Hopefully a GC contender will try to make a move on the last climb, but it will be difficult to gain time with a downhill finish after the last climb.

Jeff

[FlashUNC]

Yes, but it’s still a really dumb question.

Can anyone imagine asking Tom Brady or Bill Belichick if they feel bad about winning another Super Bowl or humiliating a defender on a great pass play? Athletes are in it to win it and if you have a chance to steal a minute you’d be a fool not to do so.

When opportunity knocks you must answer.

A better question would be to ask those who were left behind how they got caught with their pants down.

Then you don't get the quote that he got. Part of the journalists job is playing Columbo sometimes and asking what sounds like the stupid question to get the right output. It plays on the emotions of the interviewee for the same reasons it gets under your skin as a dumb question, gets Brailsfords notrious guard down for a second, and you get a real response.

I'll not argue there's a lot of lazy and bad questions in sportsball journalism, but this looks like a dumb question used rather smartly to get a great quote.

And on second read it really is an amazing quote that tells you more about Brailsford in three sentences that a lot of full blown profiles have failed to capture.

[GregL]

Part of the journalists job is playing Columbo sometimes and asking what sounds like the stupid question to get the right output. It plays on the emotions of the interviewee for the same reasons it gets under your skin as a dumb question, gets Brailsfords notrious guard down for a second, and you get a real response.
A very interesting observation! My last stint on jury duty had me making the same observation of the opposing attorneys. The attorney for the plaintiff won the case by getting under the skin of an expert witness for the defense. His "stupid" questions irritated the expert witness so much that he drifted off script and inadvertently supported the plaintiff. It was fascinating to watch!

Greg

[Ruimteaapje]

Abandon Rohan Dennis (one day before the ITT)

[saab2000]

Then you don't get the quote that he got. Part of the journalists job is playing Columbo sometimes and asking what sounds like the stupid question to get the right output. It plays on the emotions of the interviewee for the same reasons it gets under your skin as a dumb question, gets Brailsfords notrious guard down for a second, and you get a real response.

I'll not argue there's a lot of lazy and bad questions in sportsball journalism, but this looks like a dumb question used rather smartly to get a great quote.

And on second read it really is an amazing quote that tells you more about Brailsford in three sentences that a lot of full blown profiles have failed to capture.

This is a very astute observation and parallels the great fictional character Sherlock Holmes. He often would engage people in a totally unsuspecting manner about unrelated subjects, often learning more about his objective than had he asked directly. In other words, set a trap of sorts and watch the folks walk right into it.

[Jaybee]

Abandon Rohan Dennis (one day before the ITT)

I can't watch today, but the cyclingnews live feed makes it seem like Dennis' whereabouts are currently unknown. Like he just left.

Strange, beyond the fact that he would have been the favorite for a stage win tomorrow.

[nooneline]

I can't watch today, but the cyclingnews live feed makes it seem like Dennis' whereabouts are currently unknown. Like he just left.

Strange, beyond the fact that he would have been the favorite for a stage win tomorrow.

apparently he's on the bus, not talking to anybody, and there are rumors - rumors - that he had a mental mechanical

[FlashUNC]

This is a very astute observation and parallels the great fictional character Sherlock Holmes. He often would engage people in a totally unsuspecting manner about unrelated subjects, often learning more about his objective than had he asked directly. In other words, set a trap of sorts and watch the folks walk right into it.

A very interesting observation! My last stint on jury duty had me making the same observation of the opposing attorneys. The attorney for the plaintiff won the case by getting under the skin of an expert witness for the defense. His "stupid" questions irritated the expert witness so much that he drifted off script and inadvertently supported the plaintiff. It was fascinating to watch!

Greg

Same principle on both fronts. In my former life as a reporter, it's a clear line of strategy to try to get a source to open up. Now, it's poking the bear so to speak, so it doesn't work for every interviewee, but irritation and off-kilter questions are a great way to get responses. I interviewed a newly Michelin-starred chef once and for just two questions in the interview I used the word "cook" instead of "chef" to describe him and the work he does. The first one he let sail by but you could see it rankled him a bit. The second he ignored the question entirely and corrected me with something to the effect of "Cooks just take orders in a kitchen. What I do is make art."

Boom, lead quote for the story.

In 1:1 settings, I was always a big fan of the awkward silence. Act like I'm writing in my notebook when I'm really just doodling, and people will just babble on and on and on because they don't want to have an awkward silence. People say all sorts of things they shouldn't that way. And to crib Holmes, never talk to a reporter in your office. Dear God...the color I got from those visits.

Also, executive assistants are your best friends and sources. They know where all the proverbial bodies are buried.

[El Chaba]

I just want to mention that I really dislike mountain stages without a summit finish....

[Jaybee]

I just want to mention that I really dislike mountain stages without a summit finish....

I agree with you, but one of my favorite things in grand tour cycling is the daring attack on the descent by someone who is a superlative bike handler - your Nibalis and Salvodellis and Cancellaras... Even the Froome/Sagan attack from a few years back qualifies.

Looks like its not gonna happen today.

[GregL]

apparently he's on the bus, not talking to anybody, and there are rumors - rumors - that he had a mental mechanical
At least one news source (https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tour-de-france/rohan-dennis-tour-de-france-2019-team-bahrain-merida-investigation-a9010826.html) suggested that Dennis was arguing with someone in his team car before he abandoned. He was later seen walking with his agent toward today's finish line. One possible scenario is that he was angry because he wanted an easy ride today ahead of tomorrow's TT, while his team wanted him to attack early and get in the day's break. It will make for an interesting sideshow to today's stage.

Greg

[redir]

Yates made the right move in jumping to the front to lead out through that final corner.

[Jaybee]

Get your bets in early... who's in yellow after tomorrow's ITT? Who wins the stage now that Dennis is out?

Is 1:12 too much for Thomas to take off Alaphillipe over 27K? Do Ineos want to protect the jersey this early with so many summit finishes in the final week?

[Jaybee]

Yates made the right move in jumping to the front to lead out through that final corner.

No substitute for knowing the course. He knew where to jump, and that whoever was through the last corner first was probably the winner. Nice work.

[Bruce K]

Dennis’ team is “investigating” and will not comment.

Hmmm...

BK

[jlwdm]

Get your bets in early... who's in yellow after tomorrow's ITT? Who wins the stage now that Dennis is out?

Is 1:12 too much for Thomas to take off Alaphillipe over 27K? Do Ineos want to protect the jersey this early with so many summit finishes in the final week?

Ineos will probably be controlling the main peloton on the mountain stages Saturday and Sunday no matter who is in yellow. Monday is a rest day. Tuesday and Wednesday Ineos will just be worrying about the GC contenders. They won't worry about some pretender being out in a long break and taking yellow as Thursday, Friday and Saturday are mountain stages.

Ineos likes to be at the front of the group with the main contenders but they don't care about having yellow every day. They ride superbly as a team focusing on one goal - winning the TDF.

Jeff

[Clean39T]

Rohan Dennis be like:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/af7Jctuqhcg/maxresdefault.jpg

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

** NSFW: F-bombs **

[redir]

I just want to mention that I really dislike mountain stages without a summit finish....

Hmmmm, I think it makes it rather interesting. To each their own though.

Now tomorrow? I probably won't even bother watching it. The highlights will be good enough for me.

[jlwdm]

Hmmmm, I think it makes it rather interesting. To each their own though.

...

Not too interesting today. GC riders just stayed together. Someone probably would have attempted a move if it finished at the top of the last climb. Although less likely to see a huge effort the day before the ITT.

Jeff

[Jaybee]

Ineos will probably be controlling the main peloton on the mountain stages Saturday and Sunday no matter who is in yellow. Monday is a rest day. Tuesday and Wednesday Ineos will just be worrying about the GC contenders. They won't worry about some pretender being out in a long break and taking yellow as Thursday, Friday and Saturday are mountain stages.

Ineos likes to be at the front of the group with the main contenders but they don't care about having yellow every day. They ride superbly as a team focusing on one goal - winning the TDF.

Jeff

This is kinda how I figure it's going to work. Ineos has a list of 4 or 5 competitors that get marked, and the rest don't matter. If JA is in yellow on Saturday, I wonder if DQS will spend energy to protect if the break gets far enough out.

[fignon's barber]

At least one news source (https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tour-de-france/rohan-dennis-tour-de-france-2019-team-bahrain-merida-investigation-a9010826.html) suggested that Dennis was arguing with someone in his team car before he abandoned. He was later seen walking with his agent toward today's finish line. One possible scenario is that he was angry because he wanted an easy ride today ahead of tomorrow's TT, while his team wanted him to attack early and get in the day's break. It will make for an interesting sideshow to today's stage.

Greg


I read elsewhere that he had issues with team equipment (meridia tt bikes) and gave an ultimatum that he wanted to ride his tt bike. Have no idea if it's true, but interesting.

[Bruce K]

BIG CRASH for Wout Van Aert !!!?

Not looking good - down for a long time with Medical Team working on him.

Update: reported he has a “flesh wound” in his upper right leg.

BK

[Bruce K]

And Sagan wheelies his TT bike across the finish line!!

BK

[Jaybee]

BIG CRASH for Wout Van Aert !!!?

Not looking good - down for a long time with Medical Team working on him.

Update: reported he has a “flesh wound” in his upper right leg.

BK

That looked really really bad.

Hoping for the best here.

[oldpotatoe]

BIG CRASH for Wout Van Aert !!!?

Not looking good - down for a long time with Medical Team working on him.

BK

Big gash on his RH leg plus way weird leg bend as he crashed..think his TdF is over..too bad..

[Bruce K]

The team already announced his withdrawal.

The “split” he did when he crashed looked really awkward and painful.

I can’t imagine what would have cut him as I don't think his bike has disc brakes and the bike went down on the drive side with his leg on the non-drive side when he landed.

BK

[bward1028]

he got cut on something on the barrier.

saw similar thing happen in Mission Crit a year ago. they had to hose the blood off the sidewalk

[Jaybee]

I think I'm developing a crush on Alaphillipe. What a badass.

My crush is growing into full on infatuation. Who knew he could TT like that?

[yinzerniner]

he got cut on something on the barrier.

saw similar thing happen in Mission Crit a year ago. they had to hose the blood off the sidewalk
Looking at the pics of how the barriers were set up seems like incompetence at best and at worst gross negligence. Having barriers at a corner with the "U-shaped" connectors poking out, towards the riders when that's the exact point where their vision and bike handling are most compromised?
Pic taken from CyclingTips
https://cdn-cyclingtips.pressidium.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_2440.jpg


This looks to be in the same vein (though not nearly as tragic) as the totally inept design at the finish of the Vancouver Olympic Luge track.

[Mzilliox]

alaphillippe is amazing. what a ride

[galgal]

UNBELIEVABLE! Alaphilippe!

[Clean39T]

My crush is growing into full on infatuation. Who knew he could TT like that?

Right there with you :hello:

[echappist]

won't you believe it, all hail alaphilippe the puncheur, alaphiippe the grimpeur, and apparently, alaphilippe the contre la montre coureur :rolleyes:

[bward1028]

https://cdn-cyclingtips.pressidium.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_2440.jpg



reminds me of
https://i.imgur.com/h1oQrdC.jpg

[charliedid]

Horrible for Wout.

I had this feeling yesterday that someone important would crash out this AM in the TT. Sort of glad I wasn't able to watch it now.

Terrible

[Elefantino]

Alaphilippe can't win the GC.

Alaphilippe can't win the GC.

Alaphilippe can't win the GC.

I hope Alaphilippe wins the GC.

But he can't.

[Ruimteaapje]

My crush is growing into full on infatuation. Who knew he could TT like that?
Doctor Ibarguren Taus?

[Drmojo]

TT winners who can climb.
he spanked the Welsh guy HARD
Hinault is in his camp
Viva la France!!!!

[dbnm]

So what happened to Rohan Dennis?

[Ruimteaapje]

After she saw Alaphilippe skid across the finish line and jump off his bike like like that, my mother said in a whatapp: "somebody tell him not to snort that new powder" (she read about powdered aicar in the media). :D

[Elefantino]

So what happened to Rohan Dennis?

He flipped out.

To what extent and over what (apparently there is some question about whether or not he liked his TT bike or even his TT suit) remains unknown.

He is not long for Bahrain-Merida.

[Clean39T]

After she saw Alaphilippe skid across the finish line and jump off his bike like like that, my mother said in a whatapp: "somebody tell him not to snort that new powder" (she read about powdered aicar in the media). :D

That skid was epic :banana:

[tony_mm]

Crazy from Alaphilippe!
Either he is going to win the TdF or he will have a major collapse in the next days I the mountains.

[72gmc]

Doctor Ibarguren Taus?

Last seen cheering Boonen during his winning 55k time trial at Roubaix ...

[ntb1001]

Wow...what a win!!

I’m hoping JA can win the whole thing now.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[echappist]

Doctor Ibarguren Taus?

I heard he’s a sh**e doctor; almost killed a cobra under his care

[tony_mm]

Good also to see riders like Alaphippe, WvA etc....and not the boring Froome or Thomas riding with their powermeters.

[jlwdm]

Crazy from Alaphilippe!
Either he is going to win the TdF or he will have a major collapse in the next days I the mountains.

Well he is not going to win. Five mountain stages left.

Jeff

[Drmojo]

All JA needs to do is sit on the Welsh wheel
Bernal is done

[jlwdm]

All JA needs to do is sit on the Welsh wheel
Bernal is done

That is why I watch ad free with other announcers.

Jeff

[82Picchio]

I hope it's not the case of Alaphilippe the dopeur...

won't you believe it, all hail alaphilippe the puncheur, alaphiippe the grimpeur, and apparently, alaphilippe the contre la montre coureur :rolleyes:

[tony_mm]

Ineos will definitely push hard very very hard tomorrow and Sunday...

And my guess is that the powermeter strategy of Ineos and Thomas will succeed [emoji30][emoji30]

[Big Dan]

Ineos , QS and Jumbo seem to have the "good stuff" this time around.

:p

[jlwdm]

Ineos , QS and Jumbo seem to have the "good stuff" this time around.

:p

But they have quality teams built for specific purposes. You don’t see India riders waisting energy chasing stage wins.

Jeff

[Big Dan]

But they have quality teams built for specific purposes. You don’t see India riders waisting energy chasing stage wins.

Jeff

You think that's the only formula to win the TDF?

[denapista]

Bernal going down in 5th is only going to make it harder for everyone else. You have one of the strongest climbers on the team expected to win, with nothing to lose but only gain at this point... Ineos is going to set a stupid tempo and possibly launch Bernal, which will have to be marked because he can climb back into contention. Other teams now have to mark both of them..

JA is going to get popped in the big mountains, unless Ineos isn't as strong as their sky past days.. If JA stays with the Ineos train and stupid pace that's going to be set, then I say THAT'S A FAILED DRUG TEST!

[axel23]

I hope it's not the case of Alaphilippe the dopeur...

Everyone else arrives at the finish line completely shattered. JA jumps off his bike and starts celebrating. I want to believe, I really do.

[Jaybee]

I agree that the question is when, not if, JA gets popped off the Ineos train in the big mountains.

Tomorrow is 12km @ 7.8% followed by 19km @ 7.4%.

[nooneline]

Everyone else arrives at the finish line completely shattered. JA jumps off his bike and starts celebrating. I want to believe, I really do.

i've done this.

there's something about winning that turns feeling shattered into feeling like confetti and glitter.

[m4rk540]

My crush is growing into full on infatuation. Who knew he could TT like that?

I've been following JA since the early stages of the 2018 TDF when he was racing under the name Geraint Thomas.

[jlwdm]

You think that's the only formula to win the TDF?

Maybe not but definitely the best way. Everyone working for one goal. Not easy to be a support rider though.

Jeff

[Jaybee]

i've done this.

there's something about winning that turns feeling shattered into feeling like confetti and glitter.


Word. Joy is a hell of a drug.

[denapista]

If you think a sport that was based on drug usage is 100% clean, you're naive to the ills of the world. They're still doping, but who cares.. JA survived the hardest day which was the gravel day and it looks like the peloton mailed it in until the ITT after that stage. I think everyone is waiting for the upcoming looming hills ahead.

I just want to see attacking and some good racing. When Contador was racing on the best stuff (tainted steak meat), at least he lit up the race.

[nalax]

Sky/Ineos puts me to sleep. I just hope WVA is ok.

[jlwdm]

Sky/ing puts me to sleep. I just hope WVA is ok.

You just have to appreciate every little thing they do. In position for echelons. Not chasing breaks. Not going for stage wins. Not trying to win green jersey or mountain points. Slowly bringing back GC breaks instead of chasing too hard. No desire to have yellow. Riders who work hard on climbs, get dropped and fight back on descents to do it again.

The only true GC team in the tour.

Jeff

[Matthew]

I loved JA's skid at the end. Like a kid ripping down his driveway.

[BdaGhisallo]

You just have to appreciate every little thing they do. In position for echelons. Not chasing breaks. Not going for stage wins. Not trying to win green jersey or mountain points. Slowly bringing back GC breaks instead of chasing too hard. No desire to have yellow. Riders who work hard on climbs, get dropped and fight back on descents to do it again.

The only true GC team in the tour.

Jeff

Very well put.

[nalax]

Jeff,
You're right but at age 70 I'm enjoying the sprint finishes and breakaways and the excitement the cx'ers are bringing to the road this year. Wheelies and skids, YES.



You just have to appreciate every little thing they do. In position for echelons. Not chasing breaks. Not going for stage wins. Not trying to win green jersey or mountain points. Slowly bringing back GC breaks instead of chasing too hard. No desire to have yellow. Riders who work hard on climbs, get dropped and fight back on descents to do it again.

The only true GC team in the tour.

Jeff