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Around SBN: 2012 Budweiser Shootout Entry List Released

Stage 17 Open Thread

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_tiny by Chris Fontecchio on in News

Nothing to see here, move along...

OK, if you aren't completely fixated on Thursday's queen Alpine stage, you don't love Cycling. There's little I can add here that you don't already know: the most wide-open Tour, notwithstanding a few details to get sorted in the final time trial, comes down to one last road stage of any consequence. This promises to be all-out hand-to-hand combat on the Col de Joux-Plane, the last (and only hors categoire) of the day's five rated climbs... 11.7 km at 8.7% average.

Oscar Pereiro must be stopped for anyone else to win... will T-Mobile's critical mass put the hurt on? Will alliances be formed and then quickly dashed? Will it all be for naught when the last 12km of descending are done? We are in uncharted waters now, at least as far as the modern era is concerned.

I'll be up and join in as soon as humanly possible. Don't wait for me...

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Let's go!
Alright, here I am at work trying not to be too distracted. And as they approach the first climb, let's hope it's a wild day of racing. Who among the contenders will attack first? If only Vino were there, then we'd know.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 6:57 AM EDT reply actions  

I think it will be
more like who attacks last on the Joux-Plane and gets a gap over it. There is the distinct possibility of a mad chase down the other side. Will a favorite crash trying to keep up, close something down, or open a gap up? Stay tuned.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 7:31 AM EDT reply actions  

What's Floyd up to?
Phonak is now running a screaming pace... with Landis at the front and has whittled down the Yellow Jersey group already.

I love such a wide-open race, it's impossible to guess what strategy they will all use.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 7:35 AM EDT reply actions  

But what's left of Phonak?
Anyone on the team left with the legs to support Landis' move?  I imagine that Axel is pretty much done, at this point.

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nada
I think they were done about a week and a half ago.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions  

No waiting for Joux-Plane
It looks like the race has blown up alread! Pereiro is dropped and only the big contenders still in it. But it's a long day......

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 7:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Bold move
Landis was around 3 minutes ahead of the contenders (all together now) on the top of the first peak of the day. I doubt he can take enough time on the whole day - with 4 peaks left to climb - to get back in contention, there are just too many strong riders in that big pack, just biding their time. I can't imagine all of them will crack on the Joux-Plane. Otherwise, Landis needs to build up a lead of at least 10 minutes before that HC climb, I would think.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 8:08 AM EDT reply actions  

How Floyd will win...
Last night, Lance calls Floyd to make amends and offer encouragement. Lance convinces Floyd to come back to Discovery post-op, and then instructs Johan to have Discovery help Floyd. Discovery launches Floyd up the Col de Joux-Plane, Floyd, newly invigorated by his ex/future team, blows away everyone on the Col de Joux-Plane. Il Falco rides in the Phonak team car and mind-melds with Floyd down the descent into Morzine, and Floyd wins by 6 minutes. Floyd then takes the ITT by over 2 minutes, and finally wins the tour by 7 seconds, eclipsing LeMond's amazing 8 second-win, thereby making LeMond more bitter than ever. But not as bitter as the entire nation of France.

That'd be cool.

by Scott. on Jul 20, 2006 8:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Sorry guys...
I slept in this morning :)

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 8:27 AM EDT reply actions  

several of these riders
will have reason to work with FL.  That could easily lead to a stage win for them.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Peloton will start attacking
one another soon.  T-Mob DS is probably about to pop himself

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:31 AM EDT reply actions  

yellow group is huge
attack will be hard and heavy there soon.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Can't believe there are NO Phonak
in the Yellow group.  They need to get up there to try to slow the chase.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:46 AM EDT reply actions  

By this time...
unbeknown to us, Phonak was not there because they HAD gone a bloc' to spring FL

by ELVISGOAT on Nov 7, 2006 5:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Gap is going out again
Oscar P is going to go soon from the looks of it and Sastre only has one CSC with him and Stuey up the road.

This is great bike racing!!!

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:50 AM EDT reply actions  

I'm starting to feel like
the lone ranger in here.  chris, drew, TC, anybody...?

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:51 AM EDT reply actions  

On Landis's gamble
Landis is over four minutes ahead of the yellow jersey.

If we assume Pereiro will crack today, Landis has picked up four minutes on the stronger riders and he is only about six minutes down to them.

You can do the math.  

It is early yet, but his strategy makes all kinds of sense.

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 8:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis up by 4:13
at the summit. Not getting much help. Large chase group. Slow moving, can't shed hangers on, but Caisse d'Epargne down to one man and yellow jersey at the front.

What a day!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 8:53 AM EDT reply actions  

OK, Landis clearly no layabout...
Just got going here on the West Coast, and you gotta be impressed by Landis.

At the very least, he's letting everyone know what they can expect next year. At best, he's riding himself back into this thing.

Pereiro's team won't hold up under the strain. Will T-Mobile?

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 8:53 AM EDT reply actions  

T-Mob can't wait
to start attacking...one another.  hehehe

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

Why attack?
They don't have a T-mobile rider in the break to chase... 8-)

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

There waiting for Rogers
to be put under pressure.  "There will be no affronts to the fatherland!"

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

OOps...
Didn't see the t-mobile jersey. Havent' rubbed the sleep out of my eyes...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

Paul is right...
Halgand should wait for FL.  Dont those DS's talk to one another?

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:56 AM EDT reply actions  

He is waiting...
Watch him; he's just being efficient. Landis is (intelligently) taking it easy. Lots of miles left, it's a long descent... they'll come together soon enough.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

yep...
I'm sure he'd like to dump Stuey and Sinkiwitz on the next climb

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

Who will crack
At these speeds I bet at least a couple of the leaders will crack today. None of them have had much help from teammates over the last two Alpine stages, so I would imagine they are all pretty close to spent.

What a race! Pushing the contenders to their limits, perhaps today we'll discover who is in the best fitness. My money's on Klöden, if Rogers doesn't screw it up for him.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 8:59 AM EDT reply actions  

maybe...
they'll blow by halgand

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:01 AM EDT reply actions  

Can't believe...
How Landis is making the rest of the contendors earn their places today.

Like the rest of this tour, it's freakin' unbelievable.

Not unprecedented. Lucien Van Impe pulled off a long mountain breakaway when he won in 1976. Situations weren't identical, but there's a lot to of similarities...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:07 AM EDT reply actions  

yep...
Ventura is right about hydration and food...  gotta eat every :30 min or so...

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Speculation
closer gear ratios

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:11 AM EDT reply actions  

LANDIS LOSES FIVE SECONDS!!
 Looks like he had a puncture on his rear wheel, and now is back on another bike, and right back up to the front with Halgand and Sinkewitz.

Eurosport

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

What are CSC/TMobile thinking?
Isolating Pereiro is well and good, but adding one rider to the chase now can save minutes later.

Everyone's playing chicken, and stranger things have happened...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Crap... Halgand going...
Looks like he's going to pop any second...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

FL needs to tow
him over the climb then... drop him on the Joux

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think they are cooked...
FL is putting the wood to them.  Sastre looks like hell.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Just a 200 km, 6 hour TT
14:50 - Yellow Jersey's Peloton 5'45" Behind...
At the top of the 2nd climb, the yellow jersey's peloton is 5'45" behind Halgand and 4'30" behind Landis' group.

Landis started the stage in 11th place, 8'08" behind Pereiro

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

What a punk
The real tour has won back my interest over the VDS.  Losing Valverde and the Disco boys killed me.  Rujano was not woth 3 points.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

GC teams...
.... have allowed a situation to develop over which they have decreasing control

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:14 AM EDT reply actions  

"teams"
This year there don't seem to be any "teams"

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

The peloton is now 6'00 behind!!!!!!!!!!
Halgand is already a minute back, as Landis continues to power away with Sinkewitz clinging on for dear life.

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:16 AM EDT reply actions  

6:20 OMG
They are going to have to get going.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

CAT 1 -- COL DE LA COLOMBIERE
11.8-km long, average gradient of 5.8%, max. gradient of 9% at its steepest point

FL now at 6:45!!!!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

Amazing
This is an amazing athletic effort!

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 9:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Peloton is going to have to get it together
I bet FL is getting pissed at that TMob rider on his wheel.  He's gonna crush him soon.

Starting to look like the best tour I've ever seen.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Man O man...
It's absolutely unthinkable that they're going to give Landis this much rope.

Maybe T-Mob and CSC teams are confident they've got the firepower to take minutes out of Landis on the final climb, but they're idiots for letting it get this out of hand...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

They have missed it I think...
Fl is super motivated.  ~:> went solo from 40 mi out yesterday and FL is a better rider than him.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

T-Mob
So Sinkewitz is the only one who can stay with Landis. This means either (a) he is trying to hold him up for Klöden or (b) he is competing against Klöden and is helping Floyd.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

He's just a watchdog...
He started the day nearly 50 minutes back. He's just playing the team role, but if Landis starts the final climb with a big lead, look for Sinkeweitz to get called back to help Kloden on the climb.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

Sinkewitz is just sitting on
and it's not having any affect whatsoever. Floyd is determined to take as much as possible back today or die trying. I think the teams behind are figuring there's no way he can keep the pace up, so even if he stays away he doesn't get more than 2-3 minutes back by day's end. But Phil raises a great point - everyone is tired. Can they give him a 6' start at the bottom of Joux-Plane and hope to reel some of it in?

This is freaking edge of seat time, at least for me. If Floyd ends up doing it today will absolutely be a top 3 stage of all time. Let's hope he does just for the bravery of the theater of it all.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 9:27 AM EDT reply actions  

I'm with you Drew.
They are all tired.  If he can keep 5:00 min then he is back in the hunt for yellow.  Hell, he's almost yellow on the road.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

water
Maybe FL overheated yesterday. From CN:

"Maybe he's going for a water bottle consumption record, like the time he (allegedly) drank 14 cappucinos in Girona with his friend Dave Zabriskie."

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Col de Joux-Plane
Elevation:  1,700 m , 11.7 km at 8.7 percent

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Are you fucking kidding me????
Floyd back in yellow! Can he hold it?

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 9:35 AM EDT reply actions  

ask yourself...
why would GC teams give FL 8-9 mins?

because they can't stop him!!!!

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

You are right...
Why are they not even trying to chase though?  There is no help from TMob or Rabo... Hell AG2r has more mena t the front for Calzati that CSC does for Sastre.  Where are Voight and Shleck?

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe
they don't have the gas...

Maybe it's another huge strategic miscalculation...

Maybe they are under estimating each other again...

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

15:35 - Peloton At Summit:
Landis Virtual Leader!

The peloton is 8'35" behind Landis and Sinkewitz at the top of the third climb. This means that Landis is the virtual leader of the Tour...!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

8.45
Bugger me blind...

This is about 1.5 Hinaults (new unit of measurement) now. I don't remember even Hinault managing something this insane.

by Comma Sutra on Jul 20, 2006 9:41 AM EDT reply actions  

What was Eddy's longest break?
I know he went bat crazy a few times and rode alone for giant stretches in the mountains and punished people for many, many minutes, but I'm not sure whether any of his were this long (assuming Floyd stays clear and gets yellow). Dunno. I may look it up later.

by Comma Sutra on Jul 20, 2006 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

Merckx rode
for 130 kilometers solo on a mountain stage of the 1969 TdF. He ended up taking 8 minutes out of his nearest competitors.

Floyd's ride is in the same category...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Eddy - 1969
It was 8 minutes to Dancelli, and more than a quarter hour to his primary rivals, including Gimondi, and Jannsen.

I was there! He was a mystery of human creation!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Uh oh...
CSC and Voigt on the front. He'll likely peg back some time. T-Mobile playing the Sinkewicz card, which is a huge mistake.

But that's T-Mobile. They specialize in the things...
 

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Phonak got it right?
Maybe Phonak played this perfectly, they only led the peleton briefly to spring Landis, then everyone dropped out. If FL can take the jersey today, they'll need they're whole team to control what may be a nutso peleton tomorrow.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

right now...
i'm cursing landis for getting our hopes up.

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Plan B
You have to believe that for T-Mobile and CSC they have gone to plan B: Landis cracks on the Joux-Plane

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

9:06 now!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe what we might be witnessing.  Are you kidding me??????

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

With Jens on front
the gap will come down somewhat once they hit the flats, but if Floyd can keep 5' over the Joux-Plane he'll hold onto that during the descent, maybe even open it up a bit.

And if he can go into the TT even, or 1' behind the highest placed contender, he can win the Tour. He will be motivated beyond belief.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 9:49 AM EDT reply actions  

sinkewitz
so how is he helping his team? surely he is just a spectator along for the ride

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

It didn't
but in theory it does.  

Not helping means you do less work and can win the stage after getting the tow to the line.  Maybe he was called off or maybe Fl dropped him once they got to the Joux.  At any rate, after getting towed for the whole race Sinkewitz would have been more help to Klodi if he ever made it up to FL (which he did not).

I think all it did today was piss-off FL even more.  What is German for "Worthless, wheel sucking sack of shit"?

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

"Wertloser, Rad saugenden
Sack der Scheiße.

Pronounced:  Vertlozer, rahd zaugenden zack dehr sheye-za.

by Ruthann on Jul 20, 2006 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

C?te de Ch?tillon
Elvation: 735 m,  5.1 km at 4.9 percent
 

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap holding
even with CSC on the front. Back up to 9:06

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

sorry guys....
can't watch this anymore. signing off

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

question:
I still don't know much about when team cars are allowed to follow... Floyd's out in front and has a team car with him to keep him replenished... do the guys in the chase also have team cars with them? If not, this could be Floyd's greatest advantage for the final climb and would obviously make the possibility of his regaining the yellow jersey greater.

by Scott. on Jul 20, 2006 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

true, he does have a personal valet there..
In a larger group, the GC challengers will ask their teammates to keep them replenished.

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yes, team cars can follow
FL and the peloton.

Yesterday, FL was at a huge disadvantage. Rules are the car can't provide food or water in the last 20 km.

Support cars can follow the peloton, but now the leaders are at a logictical disadvantage since the only way they can move food and water to the front is via a domestique.

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Any leader or group
will have a team car with them. The rules prohibit feeindg in the last 20K (which killed Floyd yesterday) so he is making sure to stay totally topped off on fluids and food.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 9:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Hell of a morning
to have a couple tight work deadlines... 8=(

Plenty of cars for everyone. The peleton bottle boys just have to ride farther back up to the front to distribute...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:58 AM EDT reply actions  

See that power!
on the cols:

339 W
377 W
392 W

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

What impresses me
is that his numbers are going up. That and the fact that he can put out 400 watts for 60' during a TT.

Jesus Christ.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

OMG
Whyowhy do I not have cable??? Going to the pub as soon as they open for the replay today...

What's the latest?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

HAHAHAH....
you are probably right.  Gotta win that stage.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

At 46 km
peloton has cut the lead to 8'46".

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

36.5km to go
Gonchar buries himself with Vandevelde and Voigt hanging on. Garzelli is dropped.

Landis is now on the descent, perfectly positioned. He's using a hands on the tops position, very low.

8'19 is the gap. CN

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

Chris
Just go down and break the pub door in. No one would convict you (at least if all of us are on the jury)

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

OK, caught up
on CN... afraid to speak, really. The Joux-Plane is fearsome, but so too is what we (OK, you) are seeing today by Landis. Un-freaking-...

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Everyone should prepare themselves
for Floyd's lead to drop. Remember, if he can get back 5-6' today the TT is totally in play. With motivation (and contender's depression) he could put 2' into the next best guy.

This will be tight.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Col de Joux-Plane
Elevation:  1,700 m , 11.7 km at 8.7 percent

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

+8.22
Last I saw. Peloton trying to drive (mostly CSC) on this smaller climb. Floyd looks like he's on cruise control, letting a few seconds go away now saving the big effort for the Joux-Plane. Pereiro looks bad. Menchov and Kloden weren't anywhere near the front as best I could tell. The yellow jersey group is pretty large, which says the pace isn't that fast. I think soon we'll be talking about FL relative to Sastre, etc. This race is about to explode.

Robbie Ventura sounds like he's going to need a change of underwear soon.

by Comma Sutra on Jul 20, 2006 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap is down to 8'11"
for the yellow jersey group

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

It will all come down to the Joux Plane
You have to look at Floyd's lead over Evans, Kloeden and Sastere as well.  Any one of them could crack on that climb.  The CSC TT guys, won't be much help on that beast.

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Seems impossible
for this gap to hold on the Joux-Plane. But obviously Landis is possessed by the devil, so you never know.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

8:04 over the top
But let's see how those guys do once the big climb starts. You're going to see people shelled left, right, and center.

And, there is a 20" and 12" bonus for first or second. Every little bit helps.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

He will lose more
Landis should lose more in that relatively short "flat" part to the start of the Joux-Plane.

I still don't think the yellow jersey is going to cross the finish with the group he is in.

Landis's real opponents are Sastre and Kloeden.  They started around two minutes behind the yellow jersey.

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

The final gap
will surely be less... but the question is, who among the contenders will make it over the JP in one piece?

Has Phil called this "the ride of his life" yet? Probably a dumb question.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

If you ask me...
FL is looking tired. I would be too.

It all comes down to the Joux-Plane

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

It's because
you've got a shot of Landis straight up! Woooooooooo. (It is hard for me to discreetly listen to Eurosport here at work - I am totally pumped)

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

Damn
flats are bad for Floyd, no one can hold off the peloton. Can we start the JP already?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Lead coming down...
But just look at what's happening to CSC and T-Mobile. At the very least, the contendors will finish the final climb on their own.

Floyd's not getting the jersey back today, but is taking some huge risks so he can maybe get it back on Saturday...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

T-Mob and CSC on the front
Gap down to 7:45. Hincapie wheel-sucker-in-chief

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Exactly
he doesn't have to take it back today, he just has to get to within 1' of Kloden and Sastre and then whip their asses on Saturday. That's why their teams are working so hard right now - they are terrified.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Floyd's gap
to Sastre is about 6:18, I think? Not sure he can make more than a minute on Sastre in the ITT, not after this effort, so he needs to win by some 5 minutes to have a clear shot. If the gap is less, his chances are still pretty muddled. IMHO.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Watching the OLN TdF commercial...
I just heard the Who singing "Who are you?"

Floyd Landis is telling us "who" he is right now. Wonder what Sastre, Pereiro and Kloden will have to say...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:22 AM EDT reply actions  

i hate that commercial
Because it makes me want to watch CSI and I am like, but there are no new episodes until September or whatever.

by callmecayce on Jul 20, 2006 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Peloton Behind By 7'10" At 176.5km
The peloton is at the 176.5km mark with a deficit of 7'10" to Landis and Sinkewitz.

FL has lost virtual yellow.

Now is the time will tries men's souls

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Sinkewiecz cracked...
He's gone. It's going to be carnage when the peleton hits the hill next. You can see it on their faces -- most of them are toast already...

Watch the wheels wobble, the gaps open and closing. Look how hard they're pulling on the bars...

This is going to be big, big fun.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

KABOOM!
Sorry, it's hard to keep up w/o OLN.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

Landis
was IMHO the best climber (among the contenders) on the Alpe, except maybe Sastre. But can he possibly be equal to these guys after doing so damn much work???

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

FL watts
TV shows 360 W - 377 W

Hammer!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Pieroro
dropping back in peloton, about 20th.

Trouble!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Pereiro going, going....
Peleton seconds into the climb and coming apart.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

He will
The time is not the yellow jersey time; it is the time to Sastre and Kloeden and Landis is ahead of them.

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Pereiro... check! (gone)
Leipheimer....check! (gone)
Hincapie....check!
Sastre...?
Kloden...?

We're waiting...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

CSC
Well, they have a clear job to do here. Sounds like there's every chance of blowing up OP straight away, and there are more than two minutes to be gained on this climb. But they have to reel in Floyd by at least three minutes in the next 10km too, or dropping Pereiro will be all for naught.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Kabooom!
Liephiemer, Hincapie...

Menchov...

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Sastre gapping everyone...
Kloden falling back. Pereiro falling back.

It's absolute fu**ing carnage. Mushroom clouds everywhere.

Only Sastre has the guts to try and limit the damage...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Mano a mano now
Landis needs more than 370 watts to get the time he needs. Sastre is not going to be stopped, it appears.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:31 AM EDT reply actions  

OK...deep breaths...
Sastre is clear and chasing. Only contendor looking remotely strong. Pereiro in a group with several T-Mobile (Kloden must be in there).

No time checks forthcoming... wait Landis 4:15 over Sastre... 5:50 over the chase group... they don't add up

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

6'03"
from Floyd to Sastre. Remember the last 12km descent... who does that favor?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Finally
Floyd coverage... he's looking smooth, not hugely strong. Sastre looking better, but my first impression is that if Landis doens't get it, I'd rather Sastre did...

Kloden looking bad. Pereiro fighting, gotta give him credit...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:33 AM EDT reply actions  

You're
one of those Walkowiak sympathizers, aren't you?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

Cn
calling it 6:12 from Landis to Sastre!?!?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Keep in mind...
With peleton fragmented and everyone on their own, Landis will likely maintain and even extend his lead on the 12K of downhill after the summit.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Moreau on a good ride today...
He's looking pretty good.

[cut back to Landis]
He's looking pretty smooth, but slowing. Sastre perhaps only rider looking strong.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Doesn't
Moreau have a teammate higher up on GC? Has anyone reminded him of this?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

Landis slowing...
He's on steep part, but he's looking like he's getting hit by the hammer... Hold on a little longer Floyd...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Oh, shit!
Is Landis blowing up?

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:38 AM EDT reply actions  

T-Mobile chase coming togethre...
Mazzoleni and Guerini now escorting Kloden & Pereiro up the climb.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Last 5km
get easier. Hang on Floyd!!! And then drop down to Morzine like a stone!!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Paul reporting...
A 7 minute advantage for Floyd over the yellow jersey. Sastre one minute ahead of that.

All suspect, but it sounds as if Floyd might be holding onto his time gain...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Chaos !!!!
steppe section there, gaps seems to holding, maybe even widening!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:42 AM EDT reply actions  

We're seeing something special...
I've followed a lot of tours, and whenever one rider puts the sword to the three top teams, you're witnessing something special....

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Lelangue
surely knew that these teams could be beaten this way. Nobody has stepped up consistently, just flashes here and there. The lack of a serious chase is kind of predictable.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Disagree...
The teams were depleted, but T-Mobile and CSC (Voigt & Schleck) were hardly spent forces.

My point is that the teams haven't simply fallen away, they've been blown apart by one rider.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Pereiro dropping Kloden?
Looks like Periero is mounting the chase himself now... no one left to work!

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:43 AM EDT reply actions  

CN again
saying Floyd still has 5.47.

No matter what happens, I am voting Floyd Landis for president.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:44 AM EDT reply actions  

Totally
Way better than "Armstrong for President." Is it just me or has he been rather obnoxious lately?

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Cunego on fire...
He's riding through the field like cotton candy. Catching Moreau now...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:45 AM EDT reply actions  

This is storybook stuff
If Floyd decided to go to Disneyland tomorrow, I'd still be forever impressed.

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 10:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Kloden losing time now...
He's lost contact with Pereiro. Cunego passes a failing Moreau, looking for Sastre. He's not a player in the overall, but he might help Sastre close the gap if he catches him...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Time bonuses...
I may actually have to pull for Cunego.  This is unbelievable
1

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:48 AM EDT reply actions  

Pereiro fighting, Kloden struggling...
Give Pereiro credit for fighting hard on this climb. Kloden looks to be one breath away from popping the elastic to Pereiro....

Dessel finally pops.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Sastre
at 5:32, 7 min to yellow jersey

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:52 AM EDT reply actions  

OLN reporting...
5:38 between Landis & Sastre. Yellow jersey group at 7:07...

Landis losing time in tiny, tiny bits....

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Nearing the top...
Update says 12.9K to go, final descent 12K, so Landis is nearing the end of the mountain.

Don't exhale yet. Lots can happen on what will amount to a desperate descent... 8-)

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis
has put time into Pereiro on the climb! 5.38 to Sastre and about to start the descent! Wanna bet that time goes out slightly on the downslope? Un-freaking-believable.

This stage should be on the tivo when I get home, where it will definitely get "save until I am dead" status.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:55 AM EDT reply actions  

CN
Still has its sense of humor:

"Landis is 1 km from the summit, and he's still pedalling powerfully, getting a light push from an FDJ fan. Sastre gets some encouragement from another, better looking fan."

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Amber Landis
being shown on OLN. SMiling, and no annoying "Greeeegggg!!" noises...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Hilarious
On Eurosport radio, they just described Menchov as looking like "a baby owl" without his sunglasses, with his nose and mouth wide open "like when the mother owl come back with food."

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 10:57 AM EDT reply actions  

I can't breathe!
Incredible!

Descend!!!!!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:58 AM EDT reply actions  

OVer the summit now!
with more than 5 minutes in hand... I really didn't think he could, but Floyd just climbed the Joux-Plane at almost the same rate as the best of the contenders. Has anyone recently earned a Tour win this much?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 10:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis looking
Pretty snappy still. Riders picking up the tempo as the climb flattens (Menchov cracking as I write this, as is Evans).

Everyone's knackered, and I think Landis picks up a full minute on the descent....

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:00 AM EDT reply actions  

Time bonus
20 seconds for the win (but 12 and 8 for the next two too).

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:00 AM EDT reply actions  

5:07 gap over Sastre
Sastre begins his descent.

Pereiro still fighing - in fact he's riding eveyrone off his wheel.

Going to be a showdown on Saturday...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:02 AM EDT reply actions  

CN says
Landis is the best descender but is tired.

Yo! if he wasn't too tired on the JP, you think he's going to let up now?!?! No way, he'll dig deep. If he doesn't nail the descent, it won't be because he was too tired.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:03 AM EDT reply actions  

So if things stay the same
Floyd will finish 5:19 up on Sastre after bonuses, meaning he's got less than a minute to make up in the TT. What a fight it should be.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Go Floyd!
Best tour in years. I can't stand the tension

by sancerre2001 on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Time bonuses
Sastre will be in yellow through time bonuses.

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Boogerd and his flashy teeth
have been riding a very strong tour in the mountains.

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions  

ahhh
this is so exciting I don't even know what to do

goooooo Floyd go!!!!

and ride your bike moreau!! do some good for my VDS team!

by ellie on Jul 20, 2006 11:05 AM EDT reply actions  

I never thought
I'd be happy to have a final descent on this stage.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:05 AM EDT reply actions  

5.20 now
Floyd being careful. He knows he's within striking distance at least.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis riding like Merckx...
This is really vintage Merckx; go out and challenge everyone to follow. Never release the pressure - even for a second, even on the downhills.

Too bad Landis lacks panache.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:08 AM EDT reply actions  

yup
Now that Tommy Voeckler, there's a rider with panache. Does France have the world's worst sports media? [I know, that's a tough competition]

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

I dare you
to name a greater stage win in the last decade or so?

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis Wins!
Gives us a defiant (and manly) fist pump before the line. The media scrum begins...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:10 AM EDT reply actions  

This is history!
Incredible!!!!!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

Has there ever been a greater expolit?
This ranks with anything Bartol1, Coppi or Eddy ever pulled off.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:11 AM EDT reply actions  

don't know if it's the 4 cups of coffee,
or this inspired ride, but my heart's been pounding. this beats Lance's feed bag stage for me, which was the most exciting stage i'd ever witnessed until today. holy shit.

by Scott. on Jul 20, 2006 11:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Sastre descending like..
An old man with soft bones. Good for Floyd...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Sastre finishes at 5:41
Sastre in yellow tomorrow? Or Pereiro...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:16 AM EDT reply actions  

My lone vote for Floyd
in the poll looks pretty good now, eh...?

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Something tells me
we'll be hearing about that for a while EGoat. Give that man a slaw dog!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

Whew!
Anyone got a cigarette?

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:17 AM EDT reply actions  

My guesstimates of GC..
Suggest this race is now Landis' to win in the Time Trial... He's the strongest against the clock.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Floyd
now 20 seconds behind Sastre, a handful more on OP... and licking his chops...

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:19 AM EDT reply actions  

You bet your ass it is (and he is)
That was the most magnificent ride I have ever witnessed. I LOVE Floyd Landis!

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 11:20 AM EDT reply actions  

It's perfect
because Floyd's team doesn't have to do a thing tomorrow, just sit in and recover.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 11:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Provisional GC (CN)
General classification after stage 17

1 Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears                
2 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC                                            0.11
3 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak                                               0.31

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 11:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Incredible!
Floyd is going to slap Frankie.  "Don't you get it dude?  I want to win the Tour, you moron!"

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

Landis OLN interview...
On yesterday:
"I felt really bad for an hour, and then got over it."

Today
"I'm telling you man. I want to win the whole race, not just a stage."

Q: are you going to be satisfied with anything less than yellow in Paris?

A: "No."

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow Wow Wow
Only 30" between the top three. You're right, Drew, Now CE-IB has to do a TON of work, what with the weakest TTer in the group. I can't wait, never have I seen a race going into the last TT so exciting (way better than 2004).

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

It's too bad
Floyd's accomplishments today are worthy of making the front page of the Sports section of every paper tomorrow: he absolutely deserves it. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that none of them will do it; maybe the New York Times will give him a box. The NYC dailys are good at coming up with cheesy/cringe-inducing punny headlines but I can't think of one with either "Floyd" or "Landis". Sigh, I suppose it'll be the Yanks or Mets on the cover around here (and I love baseball but Floyd is definitely the bigger story.)

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 11:26 AM EDT reply actions  

well...
I said this before, but they could always use "Hip Hip Hooray!"  I could see the NY Post loving that, it's hard to get cheesier.  

by phromisin on Jul 20, 2006 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's awesome
It didn't even occur to me to use 'hip'.

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

TT...
It's down to Landis, Sastre & Pereiro. No one else matters on Saturday...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Kl?den
I think dismissing Klöden at this point may be foolhardy. He is the best TT'er of the 4...

by 100kg on Jul 20, 2006 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

2nd best
after FLoyd. He could make the podium, but Sastre isn't too shabby either. I'd pick Klodi for third.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Kloden 2:00 behind Landis...
So I just can't see him being a player for the win.

Podium, sure, but that's not what I was talking about... 8-)

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nope
And who are you betting on at this point? ;-)

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 11:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis
After watching him today - and that wicked look of oncentration AFTER he won - I don't think anyone will catch Floyd on Saturday. What he did today had to scare the others.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 11:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Yup
He looked like he was ready for the TT after he crossed the line . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

If I'm Sastre watching him interviewed
I'm thinking "awww shit. I've got to ride even harder on saturday than I did today."

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 11:34 AM EDT reply actions  

German Reaction
Voigt on German TV was saying just how strong Landis looked and how he just didn't know what they needed to do - it's still so wide open. Then the German announcers are saying Landis is their favorite as well.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 11:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Landis
has seized this race by the throat. As to Drew's question, how can anyone bet against Floyd at this point? Not only are the time gaps well within what you'd expect, but based on what we saw today and now know about his character, he is a clear favorite. THings happen, legs stiffen, but thankfully tomorrow's stage includes minimal climbing and a downhill profile. As if anyone will want to work anyway.

Landis worked harder than the rest today, but it was hard on everyone, nobody will wake up tomorrow feeling fresh and ready for battle. Nobody should have a particular advantage or disadvantage come Saturday. When the race of truth will sort it all out. ANd we all know what it should say.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:44 AM EDT reply actions  

Unless
someone has some longstanding loyalty/appreciation for Klöden or Sastre, how can you not have Landis as your favorite?  Today was sheer individual talent & willpower.  Didn't rely on anyone else failing.  Floyd could swing a six foot bag of kittens around a four foot room and I'd still think the world of him.

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 11:47 AM EDT reply actions  

I don't know why
but this struck me as really funny:
31      004      MARTINEZ Egoi      DSC      ESP      21' 23"
32     007     POPOVYCH Yaroslav     DSC     UKR     21' 23"
33     017     VOIGT Jens     CSC     GER     21' 23"
34     001     AZEVEDO José     DSC     POR     21' 23"
35     016     VANDEVELDE Christian     CSC     USA     21' 23"
36     003     HINCAPIE George     DSC     USA     21' 23"
37     013     O'GRADY Stuart     CSC     AUS     21' 23"

Way for CSC and DSC to stick together ...

(why yes, I didn't get enough sleep last night ...)

by ellie on Jul 20, 2006 11:47 AM EDT reply actions  

GC now
General classification after stage 17

1 Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears 80.08.49
2 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC  0.11
3 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak 0.31
4 Andreas Klöden (Ger) T-Mobile 2.29
5 Cadel Evans (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto  3.08
6 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank  4.14
7 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R-Prevoyance  4.24
8 Christophe Moreau (Fra) AG2R-Prevoyance  5.45
9 Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel Euskadi  8.16

I earlier said Kloden could get third. No freakin way.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 11:48 AM EDT reply actions  

It is a long shot
But its got to be mentioned that he took 3+ out of Sastre and almost 4 out of Pereiro in the final ITT of 04. I'm not saying he'll do it on Saturday, but they were all going full gas two years ago and he demolished them. I'm not predicting it could happen, but there is potential.

by Koppenberg on Jul 20, 2006 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

He whupped their butts today
It's not along shot... he won the TdF today.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

More specific
The "he" in my post was Kloden.  In the final ITT of 2004 he took a minute out of Landis and 3+ out of Sastre and Pererio.

But you are right, it makes little sense to talk about anybody not named Floyd Landis today.

by Koppenberg on Jul 20, 2006 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kloden
I guess I'm left thinking that Pereiro is a fighter, compared to Kloden, and 2.29 is too much. '04 is too long ago.

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 20, 2006 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

The TT
I can't wait to see what nerves do to the riders. Pereiro in particular isn't known for TTing, and pushing too hard can be disastrous. Remember the chicken last year, fighting to keep a podium spot and falling all over the road.

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 11:53 AM EDT reply actions  

you'll need
a quad processor machine to sort out the Virtual DS standings tonight. What insane time gaps today.

They're definitely going to have to fudge the time limit today.

by Comma Sutra on Jul 20, 2006 12:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Chris Carmichael did have one thing right
after Floyd's explosion yesterday. Despite his meltdown Floyd was still physically the strongest rider in the race. I think you can add 'mentally' as well now.

I am really short on superlatives for that ride, maybe suffice to say it was an HC ride.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 12:23 PM EDT reply actions  

Man...it really sucks...
...to not have enough discipline to get up early enough to watch on the West Coast. Go Ned Flandis!

by Chester @ Podium Cafe on Jul 20, 2006 12:47 PM EDT reply actions  

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