Le Tour '07: Stage 4 Live!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 1:56 AM EDT in News

I've penalized today's stage to Joigny one exclamation point from my post headline. It's probably gonna be one of those days. The stage itself is 193km, which means about 185 of them will be spent with a breakaway being slowly but surely reeled in by the pack. As today demonstrated, every day can have incredible excitement, but some days probably not til the last half hour.

One of these days Thor Hushovd needs to get in a long break. His season depends too heavily on the Green Jersey for him not to give it a go, and a break with a bunch of intermediate points has the potential to get him back within range of the leaders. Sure, Lotto, Milram and Quick Step won't lightly let him get away, but at some point they may decide it's not worth burning a lot of matches to stop Thor from getting close... as long as there aren't enough points that day for him to go ahead. Anyway, that day isn't likely today, given his crash on Tuesday, but I wouldn't be shocked if it was. A better plan might be to go with the KOM boys tomorrow, when there are eight KOM spots, and three sprint prizes as well.

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Tour de Francellara?

At least for a couple more days.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 7:56 AM EDT reply actions

Slingbox

It looks like solutions are managing to pop up daily, but some may want to consider asking around their friends for slingbox connections to use during the Tour. They've sold fairly well, and you might be surprised to find out who has one. I've got one, and it probably gets more use by my friends (e.g., traveling and don't want to miss a game, work day events, etc.) than me. Or better yet, let's buy one, hook it up somewhere in Belgium, and send the signal to an akamai reflector we've collectively rented. Voilà, PodiumCafe.tv! :)

by Sui Juris on Jul 11, 2007 8:12 AM EDT reply actions

I'm up for an experiment

I have been curious about both the slingbox and the content delivery networks. I'll order up a slingbox.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Current Standings, per CN Ticker:

62.5km/130.5km to go
Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank), Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel - Euskadi), Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom), Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis), and Christian Knees (Milram)
Paolo Longo Borghini (Barloworld)
Peloton at 3.35

Good morning, everyone.

Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 8:42 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha in a break?

Awesome. But the peleton won't give them much of a cushion.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 8:45 AM EDT reply actions

73.1 miles to go 2:20 gap

CSC riding tempo. Much higher pace than yesterday.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha

is one of my favorite riders. Really wish I could have gotten him on my team, but he was just a little too expensive.

by Chilltown on Jul 11, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions

same here

I think he'll be stuck working for Menchov, too. Possibly not many chances to win for him.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup, me too

I had him on my team right up to the last then dropped him, figuring he'd be to busy working for Menchov... if he survives today I'm bumming.

America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 11, 2007 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

It's not a bad thought on Thor

If he was able to sneak off and pick up 3 intermediate sprints, he's 18 pts back in the good. If he could then manage a decent final sprint he's looking ok again.

Or, he could sacrifice a teammate to cause a crash in the final K, behind him of course but in front of the other sprinters. Maybe that's a little extreme but no one said it would be easy :-)

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 8:59 AM EDT reply actions

Xandio is out of the race,

he crashed earlier in the stage and broke his collarbone. Bad news for VV.

112.5k to go, gap 3:03

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 8:59 AM EDT reply actions

The break is working hard 3:03

CSC riding tempo; looks like it's a bit painful.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

Chavenel is only 62 seconds

behind Tony, and that's why CSC is keeping the gap managable. What a great sight, early on a July morning: Team CSC suffering on the front of the peloton.

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 9:12 AM EDT reply actions

Bonus! Interview with Thor!

DiGregorio gets checked by the travelling Dr. He went down in the crash that Xandio was in. His right arm is bandaged from the top of his hand to past his elbow. Yikes.

Beautiful scenery this morning. Lots of old farmhouses and churches. Not too sunny today, more cloudy/overcast.

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 9:23 AM EDT reply actions

that Farmer's Help Point

wind damage commercial is a bit disturbing.

by Sui Juris on Jul 11, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

The old guy who needed help

is still worrying me. Yesterday it went a second longer before being cut off. He said, "I needed help for..."

There's another one that cuts off like this -- the one about Bob. Although I've seen the full-length version of that one (alas). But never the old guy. What, what does he need help with?

by NE Observer on Jul 11, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

PS I've gotten VERY tired of

Petra Nemcova, the model who survived the tsunami. But then, I'm the wrong gender.

by NE Observer on Jul 11, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes! I kept thinking, why don't they

show her face, why don't they show her face? Well, duh, Ruthann.....

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

The full-length Bettini/Specialized

commercial (the one with Grampa's orange tree) is offsetting my extreme aversion to the "Red White Black and Blue" VS advertisements. Quite possibly the very best and the very worst commercials ever, shown back-to-back.

Feed Zone. Nice Boonen interview. 79,5k to go, Gap 3:44. I'm off to work...

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha vs Chavanel

for the intermediate sprint... and it's Flecha with ease. Even though Chavanel is a sprinter and could use the time or points. Alrighty then.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

I hate Time Warner Cable

I awoke this morning to an "updated" channel line up.

A lot of new crap that I don't care about, and no Versus. :(

by johnw on Jul 11, 2007 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

WTF!!!

Are you kidding? Two words: Direct TV

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I found it!

After stumbling around the dial, I finally stumbled upon versus.

It moved from the digital package (converter required) to an analog channel (no converter required).

I suppose they could've made finding it a little more difficult, but not much

by johnw on Jul 11, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

That stinks

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

I'm not sure

I'll be able to endure another 2.5 weeks of the same commercials every 7 minutes...

that said, I LOVE the Tour!!

by JohnSFO on Jul 11, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

tailwind sprint, chicane at 250 m

Robbie McEwen?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

Chaos = Robbie

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Per the Team CSC Newsletter:

"Voigt Extends His Contract

[11.07 14:08] Team CSC has extended the contract with the ever popular German Jens Voigt, who has signed a new contract for another two years until the end of the 2009 season."

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 11, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

"Ever popular" has become

part of Jens Voigt's name. Like "the wine dark sea" -- "the ever popular Jens Voigt".

by NE Observer on Jul 11, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes!

I am officially happy for another two years.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

51 km to go 1:55 gap

The break looks pretty tired. They are waiting for the catch.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

Close to the top of the climb

Chavanel goes for it. Knees gets second. The break stays together.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

PDL and QS helping out, on schedule

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

Tosatto crash!

Tired boys out there, maybe rode off the edge of the pavement? Boonen's leadout might be a little hampered.

Tosatto looks fine, just annoyed.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

Gap 1:40/44.6 km

Break is riding through rolling farm fields. Trees overhang the course. Clumps of spectators line the small climbs.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Knees steals the KOM points

Most exciting action of the day. Auge (aka OJ) is safe in his spotty jersey thanks to Chavanel's work.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Classy move

Chavanel didn't go for it and take the jersey off his mate. He went only for second, so OJ keeps it. OJ's worked harder for it.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

The field is on the same climb

The break is not very far up the road at all. The field just keeping them at arms length. Someone will certainly launch a counter attack along this road.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions

St. Etienne?

That must be the cathedral, not the city, right? St. Etienne is a little way south, and an old Cycling capital.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

break is flying downhill

45 mph! Weeeee. Will anyone try to bridge? I think somebody must try.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

I'm glad VS is reporting speeds in mph

Saves me the trouble of converting back and forth.

I enjoy the total random mix of metric and english units. We do that in our own local races. All sprint markings are in meters, but we think in miles and miles per hour.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

Just as

I was getting comfortable with the metric system...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

The break is working hard again

They still believe. CSC, PDL, QS at the front. CSC is doing the lion's share.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha goes for the sprint

Chavanel chases.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha, Chavanel 1/2

Verdugo got #3 (Euskatel)

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha looks strong

No problem recovering after the sprint. Just rode Chavanel off his wheel.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Gap is 1:30/31 km to go

Riding through tawny fields of grain.

Flecha loads up on the water bottles, gets back into the rotation.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

I am surprised nobody has bridged

The group of 5 has some power, and is only 1:30 up the road.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

The field is really going for it

now. The gap is dropping consistently with 25 km to go.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha looks twitchy

I don't think he's going to fold that easily.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Are you thinking

heroic 15km solo attack? Flecha's been too quiet this year, a nice solo effort is called for here. That's one of the few breakaways I could definitely root for.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd like to see it

but it's too hard. Flecha looks tired, now.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Chavanel

into 6th overall? Wow, we have entered the drug-free era.

Knees takes off. Small gap. Not likely to get anyplace.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

Knees goes for it

The rest of the break is a mess. Regrouping, now, and chasing.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

Sprick jumps

and they're all back together again. About a minute to the field.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

Knees brought to heel

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

The logic of the break

I can't win with the help of four other riders, but I can win by myself?!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

Right

Those guys pulling for me are holding me back.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

18km

and the race is on...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

It always happens near the end

Yesterday is the perfect example. We made it 229 km, now that the peleton is breathing down my neck is the time to attack. Chance for a top 3 becomes a top 180 placing. Strange psychology at work.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

Geslin crashes

Nuthin much. Narrowing left-hander caused the slowdown and the guys in the back got accordioned to a standstill.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

3,000 pounds for a stage win

Nice!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

Of butter?

Now that would be sweet.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Dairy goods as a prize?

What can you do with 250 pounds of butter? I hope they don't give it all at once.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Ask

the Nuyenses.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Geslin won't get back

Looks like he doesn't care.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

And

neither do I.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

The field can see the break

around a bend in the road. Nice countryside.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

I love the boonen TT bike commercial

They passed on "this bike hurts my back" angle from the classics season.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Me too

I'm trying to get my three year old to recognize Boonen. He's the green guy!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

although I don't get

using Boonen to sell TT bikes.

It should be something like: "this bike seems nice, but I hate time trials. maybe you will like it."

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Where's Truth in Advertising when you need it?

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 11, 2007 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Sprinters teams move up

What day is this? I've lost track.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Stage 4

Tomorrow is hilly stage, a cat 2 climb. Boogie time?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

If Flecha had anything left

he'll make a move at about 6-7 km. I just don't think he has it today, though.

by Chilltown on Jul 11, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

We'll see

I can't imagine him not trying. It hasn't been that long a stage.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

:30 with 10 km to go, more or less

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Here comes

the catch...

15 seconds

by Jen See on Jul 11, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Sprick first

and Flecha follows. Knees makes the jump too. But they haven't exactly rediscovered their legs, just delayed the inevitable. Ten seconds' lead now.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Too Late

They're caught.

by Chilltown on Jul 11, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

If Flecha has it, he

should counter after the catch.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Knees looking back

Not the sign of confidence. Now Knees and Flecha. And then there were two, so here goes the Spanish Arrow.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha still has some juice left.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha still hammering!

Knees still with signs of life.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

6 seconds

start singing the jaws theme

they're gona get chomped

by Jen See on Jul 11, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Field still bunched up

they're not at full speed yet. Flecha/knees have 8 seconds still.

Quick Step train comes up the right side. And the leaders are caught.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

Quick Step hammering!

Around a roundabout, and now the field is starting to stretch out. under 4 miles 7km?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

6km

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

As usual

Johan Van Summer Ale, Cycling's most refreshing rider, is on the front.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

Choochoo!

Trains forming. Next stop, pain central.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Vs. stream really chunky today

but exciting finish. Go Thor! Crush them!

by ghisallo on Jul 11, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Teams getting ready

include T-Mob, Lampre, Lotto, and I think I see some green boys (Liquigas? CA?)

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Flecha at the tail of the peleton

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

Milram

train bunched up but look for them to start coming thru

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

3.5km

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

All the way across the road

Liquigas, TMob, QS, Millram in place.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Liquigas WTF?

Seriously, this is a sprint for sprinters, get out of there!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Barloworld in place!

Anglophones rejoice!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Boom Van Summeran

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

The peloton

looks confused right now. Too wide open. An attack, maybe?

by Chilltown on Jul 11, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Barloworld!

Degano and Hunter. Man, this is going to be fun. If only Sage would stop running the bathtub and wasting water in the next room.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Leaky leading it out.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Cmon Thor

I need this one.

by Chilltown on Jul 11, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

2.3km to go, clicking off the ks rapido

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Lampre come up

into the last KM

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

field is scrambled

Wegmann on the tip of the spear, QS muscling into position

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

QS in control for the moment

But is Boonen there??

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

TMob

doing it, 1.5 km, Boonen is ideally plaed.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

hehe, beer and bikes. ahh, high school memories.

by Scott. on Jul 11, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Here we go!

Cavendish tjhere

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

YEAH THOR!!!!

by Chilltown on Jul 11, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

THOR CRUSH!!

by ghisallo on Jul 11, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

er...SMASH!!!

little behind in my comic book reading...

by ghisallo on Jul 11, 2007 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

one unhappy Robbie Hunter, eh?

by Sui Juris on Jul 11, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Tmob

Millram, downhill
hauling ASS
250 m chicane
Cavendish in position
Thor going
Hunter there
Zabel there
Hunter! 2nd

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

THOR!!!!!

A huge scrum, the leaders were all boxed in, but Dean led Hushovd right down the pike and hushovd took off from about 250m, and nobody could come past him. Well done!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

THOR

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Hunter 2nd! By a wheel.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Wow argy bargy

Hunter was so close!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

Hunter 2nd!

He almost came around Thor, but the big Norwegian timed it perfectly. My reverse psych job on CA worked!

Hunter was the only one of the other sprinters who got thru to contest it. Need to more replays, but Boonen couldn't find the front, and I never saw McEwen at all.

Freire third, I think, followed by Zabel.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

Hunter should get a slot in the power poll?

No?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 11, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

Fine

But the next one comes out Monday.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Also

who drops? I didn't see Chavanel or Feillu in there.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Top five

Thor
Hunter
Freire
Zabel
Napolitano
steegmans
forster
boonen

Question: will we hear anything from Jens today? Also, Hushovd's celebration makes me nervous. How far back can you lean on a bike before causing a spectacular crash?

Boonen still well in Green, extending his lead.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 11, 2007 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

RobbieMac 16th

Anyone catch the move Freire put on the T-mobile rider (was it Cavendish?). My wheel! Back!

Thor SMASH them!

by ghisallo on Jul 11, 2007 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

Ja

Cavendish got a littlel pusharound from the ex-world champion guy.

SMASH! :-)

by Jen See on Jul 11, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Mighty Thor!!!

Thor is HUNGRY and good for SMASHING!!!!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 11, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Points

Boonen 18
Zabel 24
Hunter 22

So Zabel gets 6 points closer to Boner, Robbie Jr., 4 points. The real Robbie nowhere to be seen.

So even though the sprint looked like a QSI disaster, they come out of it OK. Boonen puts a lot of points between him and Robbie and Zabel and Hunter aren't yet close enough to challenge for green. Of course too many more days like this then Boonen will be in trouble, but on a very bad day he still gets 18 points, his leadout takes points away from the competition, and his main rival finished out of the money.

My rough count of sprint points: (Doesn't include the small placings and my math is suspect)

Boonen 98
Zabel 86
Thor 81
McEwen 74
Hunter 73

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 11, 2007 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

Pretty close

BOONEN Tom 98 pts
ZABEL Erik 86 pts
MC EWEN Robbie 84 pts
HUNTER Robert 81 pts
HUSHOVD Thor 79 pts

by Hons on Jul 11, 2007 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

I love the way this is shaping up

If the sprinters keep trading off a different winner and top 5 every day, we could have this competition coming down to the final stages with 5-6 guys all in the hunt. I would love to see the Green jersey come down to the final stage with 6 guys vying for it. That would please me no end.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 11, 2007 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions