Stage 17 Open Thread

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 1:45 AM EDT in News Comment 265 comments

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Team attack is the only way to spring him

too bad he's alone already

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 shnabors on Jul 20, 2006 8:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry guys...

I slept in this morning :)

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 8:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Only one in the break that Floyd spoke to

was the Disco rider

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

yellow group is huge

attack will be hard and heavy there soon.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Garate disappeared...

where'd he go?

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

T-Mob can't wait

to start attacking...one another. hehehe

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Yeah they do...

Sinkiwitz

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

See...

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

maybe...

they'll blow by halgand

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

no

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Halgand is the only one

who can help him.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Credit Ag neeeeeeds...

i mean neeeds a stage win.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Cyril had to force him to do it

Floyd decided to do it himself.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Speculation

closer gear ratios

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Crap... Halgand going...

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

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Up to 5th now

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If anyone cares about this

Rujano did not start today.

by bethie on Jul 20, 2006 9:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

"teams"

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

by pmeb on Jul 20, 2006 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, it's getting out of hand.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

6:20 OMG

They are going to have to get going.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

only about 40 miles to go

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Amazing

This is an amazing athletic effort!

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 9:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oscar P's team is sitting up

Peiro is gone.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's up to 7'09 to the peloton!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

It's up to 7'09 to the peloton

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sinkewitz doing nothing to help

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

40 k to the foot of the Joux

Peloton must be waiting for that to chase

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

20 of that downhill

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=4200

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

de la fuente

wtf - looking like a putz

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

KOM points

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep Phil is right

this is like Hinault

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FL at 8:33 and gaining!!!

Oh, my ggaaaawwdd!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

More like Eddy

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he wins this race then it is like Eddy.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

8:57 on the descent!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

right now...

i'm cursing landis for getting our hopes up.

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

9:06 now!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe what we might be witnessing. Are you kidding me??????

by Mr Van P on Jul 20, 2006 9:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

How about Lance on

shutting the hell up?

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 9:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, the guy's a narcistic jerk

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

"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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

sorry guys....

can't watch this anymore. signing off

by avkillick on Jul 20, 2006 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 shnabors on Jul 20, 2006 9:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

true, he does have a personal valet there..

In a larger group, the GC challengers will ask their teammates to keep them replenished.

by Mr Van P on Jul 20, 2006 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

that's what i was thinking/hoping,

thanks.

by shnabors on Jul 20, 2006 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

See that power!

on the cols:

339 W
377 W
392 W

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHAH....

you are probably right. Gotta win that stage.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

At 46 km

peloton has cut the lead to 8'46".

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

+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 0 recs

Gap is down to 8'11"

for the yellow jersey group

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 Mr Van P on Jul 20, 2006 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

being possessed will make you ride fast

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Hopefully the first KABOOM

will be that fraud Pereiro...

by Mr Van P on Jul 20, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We can

only hope...

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've almost never

been this excited without coffee.

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

about

4km to the climb??

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

yup

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

KABOOM!

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FL watts

TV shows 360 W - 377 W

Hammer!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pieroro

dropping back in peloton, about 20th.

Trouble!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pereiro going, going....

Peleton seconds into the climb and coming apart.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

KABOOM! KABOOM!

heh heh

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Kabooom!

Liephiemer, Hincapie...

Menchov...

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Unbelievable.

My fingers fail me...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Only Sastre left

Wow!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

6'03"

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

You're

one of those Walkowiak sympathizers, aren't you?

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cn

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Doesn't

Moreau have a teammate higher up on GC? Has anyone reminded him of this?

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Oh, shit!

Is Landis blowing up?

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Last 5km

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Chaos !!!!

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

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

CN again

saying Floyd still has 5.47.

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Lately?

;-)

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Sastre

at 5:32, 7 min to yellow jersey

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

1 K to the top

with 5:30 over Sastre

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Amber Landis

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

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Never...

ever... again...

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

over the top

6:00 min over Sastre

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 10:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

I can't breathe!

Incredible!

Descend!!!!!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well put.

by moxy on Jul 20, 2006 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Basso has never done anything like this...

nor did Lance. Incredible!!

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Time bonus

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Landis descending!!

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

landis accelerating

picked up 30 sec over last 2-3 km on the climb

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

6:52 on yellow jersey (at summit)

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Go Floyd!

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

by sancerre2001 on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Time bonuses

Sastre will be in yellow through time bonuses.

by BobY on Jul 20, 2006 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

I never thought

I'd be happy to have a final descent on this stage.

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

5.20 now

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Landis seconds from win...

He's fighting for every second...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I dare you

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

This is history!

Incredible!!!!!!!!!

by Rydr1 on Jul 20, 2006 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Faster clock, faster!

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 shnabors on Jul 20, 2006 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sastre descending like..

An old man with soft bones. Good for Floyd...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sastre finishes at 5:41

Sastre in yellow tomorrow? Or Pereiro...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Something tells me

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pereiro sprinting to save jersey...

HOLDS ONTO THE JERSEY BY SECONDS!

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whew!

Anyone got a cigarette?

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Amazed

I am blown away.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

as long as he makes the ramp on time...

by shnabors on Jul 20, 2006 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Floyd

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

hahahaha

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Bob had faith too.

I'll give him that.

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 20, 2006 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

2nd best

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

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Nope

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

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What a mofo...

Jeezus.

by Bob Johnson on Jul 20, 2006 11:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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... on Jul 20, 2006 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

by Comma Sutra on Jul 20, 2006 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs