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Le Tour '07: Stage 9 Live!!

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_tiny by Chris Fontecchio on in News

Another epic stage on our hands today. If Biver is right and Vino is healed, this will be a real shock to the systems of a lot of riders. Phil and Paul are both sticking with Vino as their pick to win it all. We should know, one way or another, by the end of this stage.

As for more important things, here's CN on Stuart O'Grady:

Stuart O'Grady is in a comfortable but sore position after his fall during stage 8 and will remain in hospital for some time. His injuries are well documented and have left him sad and sorry. In true Stuey style, O'Grady has thanked the pole he hit, as it could have well saved his life, prevented him from tumbling over the edge of the descent down the huge drop to no man’s land.

O'Grady's pregnant wife Anne Marie son Seth and brother Darren O’Grady are keeping him amused in hospital, although they are trying to not make him laugh too much as even a small cough pains the tough aussie.

Stuey has been able to raise a smile and is giving his thumbs up to indicate he’s fine, but just talking hurts him like hell. A true professional, it is not yet known when he will be released from hospital, but he is already thinking about his return, hoping to be back on his bike in two to three months.

Whew... it sounded a little ominous earlier; I'm relieved to know Stuey's OK and plotting his return; don't think today could be much fun otherwise. Remember, after about 250 comments we'll start a new thread. Enjoy!

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paulinho and martinez off the front for disco
I guess they want to see how well astana feel right away.
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 17, 2007 6:50 AM EDT reply actions  

TMob tracker says paulinho
cn says it's popo
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 17, 2007 7:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

Here we go!
Versus coverage starting, now.

Props to the Versus peeps for the cycling coverage feast.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 7:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Yep
Did you see the wrapup show? I can now erase the first 7 stages from the DVR, since they showed the last 2km of every stage. Nice job.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

They just went through the first
sprint point, about 125k to go, and the CN ticker says:

-Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)
-Benoît Vaugrenard (Française Des Jeux), Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom), Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne), Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel) at 0.50
-Peloton at 1.10

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

by Ruthann on Jul 17, 2007 7:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Good Morning All
I'm looking forward to the race...now who is going to win?

I'll go with Contador, just because he looked so damn strong on Sunday.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 7:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Mornin all!
It's way too early here, but hopefully I can sleep at work.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 7:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Contador
got an awful lot of mention in the prerace show. I think there's a memo circulating. The "fishing for a Spanish sponsor" conspiracy theory gains credence.

BTW, I love the new digitized version of Matthias Kessler going way airborne over a guardrail from last year that VS uses in the intro.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 7:49 AM EDT reply actions  

more Tmob antics
Bad dog... get off the couch!

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 7:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Yaropop
first over the Iseran.

And the Curse of Lucien (take on my VDS team) strikes again as a dog takes out Marcus Burghardt! Bad dog!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 7:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Tough Dog!
Boy that dog walked away like nothing and Burgharts front wheel is totalled, bent in half. Looks like he is ok. Great move by the owners though...

Gusev trying to get back the white jersey today?

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 7:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Burghart is amazing me in the tour
He is going to crush in the classics next year. He might be the strongest rider in the peleton in terms of raw wattage. He must weigh in at 175 pounds, no?

From the wikipedia:

He weighs 75 kg and is 1.89 metres tall.

Well, 165 pounds. Still, no greyhound there, and hanging with the field over the mountains.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

Promos
I like the "Stages you can't miss" promo idea VS/Bicycling are using. So what about the stages not mentioned?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:07 AM EDT reply actions  

prelude to galibier
lots of time to burn prior to the real action.

It looks like Disco is setting up for an attack by Contador(?).

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Yep
All the Contador mentions aren't just the Spanish media hopes. I think Disco are letting the secret out.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

Whoa!
Please tell me they don't ride over that bridge over the gorge. I'd hurl if I had to go over that. Beautiful scenery, despite the proliferation of dams. I guess they don't have a lot of migratory fish in France.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Not anymore.
Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 17, 2007 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 17, 2007 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions  

Amazing and dramatic scenery.
About 95k to go.
Benoît Vaugrenard (Française Des Jeux), Stef Clement (Bouygues Telecom), Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne), Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Yaroslav Popovych and Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel)
Peloton at 2.51

Why is Lampre up there?

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

by Ruthann on Jul 17, 2007 8:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Rabo take some pulls
for their new team leader, ~:>
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:20 AM EDT reply actions  

I guess we will see if the chicken
is the best climber today. The question will be answered.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:22 AM EDT reply actions  

OK, F- this
i got up at 4:30 to watch this. I understand why they need to show ads at this point in the race, but this Lunesta ad -- "when you need a full night peaceful sleep, leave the rest to Lunesta" -- this is cruelty.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Vs. Commercial for Stage 10
Not flagged as "...not to miss."  Guess I'll sleep in then...
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 17, 2007 8:25 AM EDT reply actions  

tender chicken
Denmark's Michael Rasmussen said Monday he will give his first yellow jersey to stricken Rabobank teammate Kai Reus
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Climbing in 14km
Time for coffee...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Christ at the commercials!
Once the Tour is over I think I'll cancel my subscription to Vs.
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 17, 2007 8:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Rabo leads it across the valley
floor. Looks like an overcast day. Possibly humid. Flecha doing the pacemaking right now. Pretty easy tempo.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Linus Gerdermann and the Chicken
are shoulder to bony shoulder in the field.

Commercial! Arg. I guess it is time to get ready for "work".

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap 3:38, 75k to go.
Who are the talking about - about the sun allergy?  I missed that...
Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 17, 2007 8:37 AM EDT reply actions  

sorry
I'm just watching for the commercials

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

it's been 3 min...
I'm jonesing for a commercial... oh good here it comes... ahh...

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 8:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Millar is now allergic to the sun
That sucks. Says it itches like crazy.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Millar Sun allergy
David Millar has the allergic reaction. I want to see if he is wearing long sleeves. CEasily could do that today.

This is the same climb and descent as the Giro correct? You know Vino might try to use Falco to attack on the descent, like Astana did there in the Giro. They got some time there as I recall.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 8:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Goddam French TV
It's impossible to tell who's ahead or behind. Anyway, here we go!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Vs. News Flash!
George is no longer a GC contender!  Alert the media... oh wait.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Sun allergy
Yo, Millar, move to Seattle.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 8:55 AM EDT reply actions  

N.C.
Where Lance got his groove back. Blue Ridge, steep climbs, shitty weather.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 18, 2007 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

So they say
That's probably where the whole thing started.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions  

Millar setting up Mayo
with a hard tempo at the front.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 8:56 AM EDT reply actions  

off to ride
Enjoy the rest of the stage

by johnw on Jul 17, 2007 8:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Aren't the rules preventing riders
from using certain creams a bit over-the-top? Why couldn't they just have the Tour doctor prescribe something for Millar? Seems a bit too throwing-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater.

by Scott. on Jul 17, 2007 9:00 AM EDT reply actions  

yup
the foibles of fundamentalism

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

I wonder
Is there a cream that will cure his skin and NOT give him a performance boost?

The need for a neutral doctor to do prescriptions may come up, as the sport starts wrestling with therapeutic use exemption (TUE) abuse. I think the Petacchi thing was a bit of a circus, but the sport is clearly anxious to change some behaviors here too.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

are there creams that give performance boosts?
wait, that wasn't meant to be a solicitation for a LEVITRA advert

by Scott. on Jul 17, 2007 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

Heh heh
Well, they wouldn't be banned if they didn't. Or so we're led to believe.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

i thought it was because some of
the ingredients in the creams, i.e., hormones, can be taken internally in a purer form; but a blood test which detects the banned ingredient can't differentiate between whether the use of the banned ingredient was for a legitimate purpose, like saddle soars, or for performance enhancement. Thus the throwing-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater regulations: a total ban regardless of the intended purpose of the use.

by Scott. on Jul 17, 2007 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

Oh
that makes more sense. People think that because I run this site I actually know something about cycling...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

i don't really know this to be the real
reason, just my novice hypothesis. maybe some hormones can give a performance boost via an external application (osmosis?), but knowledge of that kind of science is way above my paygrade.

by Scott. on Jul 17, 2007 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Millar
crawling along in front at a human pace. Clearly nobody's playing cards yet, probably waiting for the Galibier to start.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:01 AM EDT reply actions  

On the front
Saunier, AG2R, Rabo... boy, it's a new day in Cycling.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:06 AM EDT reply actions  

SD hitting it
pretty hard now.

Gerolsteiner sighting... gotta be Schumacher? Or Fothen?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Vino
dipping back to the doctor. P&P smell a rat. Or a possum (same thing?)
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Astarloza over the top
Yaropop second... I wonder if he's making a KOM play? That's some 29 points maybe so far today.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Voeckler jumps!
And the heart of France skips a beat.

The Chicken isn't playing for KOM points today.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Menchov
looks to be in a bit of trouble at the back of the group.

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 9:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Really?
The curse of the Podium Cafe strikes again! I just got thru propping him up.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well
he was certainly not up there with Rabo at the front and I caught sight of him behind Astana almost all the way back.

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

I wonder
if that is what ~:> was discussing on the radio.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

Peloton over the Telegraphe
3.10 back of (yawn) Astarloza.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Huge crowds
at the foot of the Galibier. Probably an indication of what's up top too.

Peloton starts climbing, reeling in the early outliers.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Rabo pulling still
Voeckler and LeMevel and a Lampre up front, but just mugging for the camera.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Little Tommy
looks pained... stick a fork in him...plz.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Indeed
his little groundhog appearance is silly stuff.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions  

Tommy,
the little engine that wish it could.

by Scott. on Jul 17, 2007 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Leaders
JI Gut, Yaropop, Goose, and Astarloza working together. They're on a not-so-steep pitch, though the chasing peloton is climbing rather earnestly.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Dekker the Younger
goes backwards.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Whoops!
Adios white jersey.

Is Hinault stuck in traffic, or is Prudhomme stopping for a nature break?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

No wait
Dekker went for bottles! Restocking Boogerd at the front. Actual teamwork... who knew??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:29 AM EDT reply actions  

~:> only carries one bottle
From CN:
The Rabobank riders already have slightly more work to do than other teams; weight-obsessed Michael Rasmussen only carries one bottle, so that requires more frequent trips back to the car to keep him hydrated.

by socal @ Podium Cafe on Jul 17, 2007 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

Good god!
What a freaking prima donna.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 18, 2007 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

Sock drawer of courage
Where Paul keeps his water bottles.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Slopes neutral
at the moment; brief break in the climb before they head up to the difficult part.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Open slopes
miles from the nearest patch of shade or wind-block. Looks like Tibet.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Attacks?
Phil keeps talking as if attacks among the favorites are inevitable today, but I have my doubts.  I can't see anyone expending the energy to gain time on this climb, with such a long downhill to follow.  I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect this is a stage in which nothing much will happen.
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 9:36 AM EDT reply actions  

I agree
looks like Disco are setting up for the stage win.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Great
and I got up at 4:30 for this?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Soler
pounds right past the Yaropop group into the lead. Barloworld showing their colors. Well done.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Heh
I don't think she was offering the bottle . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 17, 2007 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

under 2' to the
peloton now.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Soler
teams up w. Guti, Yaropop, and Astarloza. Gusev goes backwards.

Now Soler cracks Astarloza and maybe Guti.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Lead group
starting to break up.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:41 AM EDT reply actions  

popo looking very good
hanging in there with Soler.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Getting Steep!!
gruppo compatto back w/ the favorites. Not terribly fast; Chavanel is still there.

Pop! goes little TOmmy.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Tommy dropped
who could have guessed?

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Fothen...!
Get your ass up there!

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Kaboom!
Fothen. Even if nobody attacks, the group is gonna slim down a lot.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap is going back out
now that Yaropop and Soler have dropped the others.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:44 AM EDT reply actions  

and then admits
that no one will attack today.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

Soler looks
like he's on winning form today. Not to mention winning tactics.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Yaropop riding Solers wheel
not doing much work. Mendoza riding in no mans land 1.40 back of them.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Yaro...
Pop!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Le mevel has a mechanicla
at the worst time.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

Here we go!!!!
Valverde attacks, which prompts Evans and Contador to the front. Klodi and Vino left behind!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

Valverde!
Sweet!  I'm happy to be wrong about the lack of action.
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

VV accelerates again
~:> on 2nd wheel. About 10 in front.
Vino suffering! Iglinsky with him, where's Klodi?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply actions  

Klodi still there
Biver was bluffing

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

A dozen there
Kloden made the split. Menchov too, and Moreau, Sastre, Mayo...

Everybody but Vino, which is preumably why Valverde stepped up.

Finally, some positive tactics from VV, who's setting the pace. I think he read the polls on the rest day.

Kashechkin looking wobbly!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Kash hurting
Will Kloden be team captain after today?
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Kaboom!
Gerdemann. Man, when he loses it, there's no mystery.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Big boys burning.
Well the big boys are finally burning. Good to see VV take the reigns. Two CdE, Two Disco, Two Rabo in the attack.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Disco looking pretty strong with
4 riders near the front of the race.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Hey Tifosa,
I've been meaning to ask, is the name of your TdF VDS team an homage to Mr. Westerberg & Co.?

by Scott. on Jul 17, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Kirchen there?
A T-mob is in the head group. Kash hanging on.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Valverde on fire today
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 9:54 AM EDT reply actions  

Valverde goes again!
He's determined not to let the Vino group claw back. Well done!

Mayo quickly nails him back.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:54 AM EDT reply actions  

Menchov in trouble
Kash off the back too.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Kash in trouble
menchov in trouble

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Mercado goes from no mans land
to back of the bus.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Moreau
just gets back. One more attack and he'll have to say adieu. De la Fuente too.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Who's the other SD rider in the favorites group?
Besides Mayo?
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Evans lifts the pace
Sastre having difficulty? And where's Schleck??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Point of Clarification
What is the origin of Valverde as Valv.Piti?

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 9:57 AM EDT reply actions  

OPeracion Puerto
There's a cryptic reference to god knows what in the OP records. THinking was Piti is his dog, but it isn't.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Evans hurting
he swings off and Valverde accelerates, while Evans goes back a bit.  Not being left though, just catching a breath perhaps.

And Moreau is dropped.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Very impressive the way that
Soler is keeping the gap and even extending it with all the guns firing behind him. Still over 2.30'
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 9:57 AM EDT reply actions  

My God
Contador has an amazing acceleration.

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 9:58 AM EDT reply actions  

Contador!`
Disco is dancing. Passes Popovich. He is gone. Only Evans can stay.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Accountant attack!
Just passed yaropop. Nobody follows.

No, wait, Evans tries to get up there.

The groiup has blown completely apart!! Leipheimer nailed to Rasmussen, who can't follow. Evans catches Contador!!!! They're away for the moment.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Cadel!
Looking great.  And, he can out-timetrial most of these guys.
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 10:00 AM EDT reply actions  

9 men
chasing Evans/Contador

Kirchen, Levi, ~:>, Valverde, presumably Sastre, Klodi, Mayo.

Whatever happened to Schleck?

Cobo pulling them!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

~:> finding out
what the Yellow Jersey is about.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

Lots of lookin gat each other
back in the main group
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

Soler still
looking like a stage winner.

Contador pulling, Evans left behind!!

Tough choice for cadel now, he probably should go back to the chase group.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:02 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap is really goin gout now
getting close to 3'
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Schleck
back there with Vino, n/s @ the gap.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

P&P
Love em, but they are really dropping the ball today.

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Popo still second!
If Popo and Contador get together could be good for stage.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Contador
trailing Yaropop still??

So they could yet team up on the descent? Wow. Soler's been the best climber, but he won't be able to stay away on the downhill and flats from a two-man team, I'd bet.

Gonna be interesting.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

popo not back with LL
i think that is gusev w/ LL

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

yup
2 disco riders together over the top...beautiful!

Disco gets it right.

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

The junction!!!
Contador catches up to Yaropop!

I never thought I'd say this, but nice tactics Johan!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Eurosport tiny video
I can watch it at work, but I can't tell what the hell is going on. That must be contador, right?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 10:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Use the othe link from
cycling fans, very good video at 350 kbs. It is the one in the comments with the blue hyperlink that just says HERE
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

Discos over the top
Here we go.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:10 AM EDT reply actions  

I'm assuming
Evans went straight back to the Valverde group?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

oh, to be
lined up along the ridge . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 17, 2007 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Is that Kim Kirchen in the favorites group?
Wow, T-Mob may have a contender after all.
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Indeed!
Can he TT? He's right into the Power Poll after that climb. And Der Linus' demise.

BTW, love the LINUS banner they kept showing, with a little heart dotting the "i". Does anyone know how to do a little heart in HTML? If so, I'm replacing the U in Linus with it.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

That maxim has a bright future, he has worked like
a dog all day and is still going at it.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Relief that people are committing.
I don't care if all the leaders finish together, it is a relief that most of them were committed Finally! Valverde attracking, Evans zooming around, Contador going. That is what I was waiting for. I feel better.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Commitment
I think they sensed that there was at least one objective worth accomplishing: dropping Vino. Not sure they had anything else in mind. But over the rest day I think the reality of the favorite coming right back into the race started setting in.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Do we have
a Vino time gap???
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Guessing
1.45

And now P&P confirm: Vino's lost 1.45 to the rivals.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Looks like the Vino group
is 1:45 behind the Valverde group.
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

1:40 isn't much
That's a long downhill, then Briancon has the tough power uphill.

What's the gap to Contador?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 17, 2007 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Just extrapolating
but if Popo and Contador are 1:36 back of Solar and Ras's group is 2:30 back, about a minute.

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions  

from cn
    * Mauricio Soler (Barloworld)
    * Yaroslav Popovych and Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) at 1.36
    * Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
    * Yellow jersey group: Cadel Evans (Predictor - Lotto), Iban Mayo and Juan Jose Cobo Acebo (Saunier Duval), Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank), Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel), Alejandro Valverde and Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne), Andreas Klöden, Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile), Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) and Christophe Moreau (AG2r Prévoyance) at 2.58
    * Vinokourov group at 4.42
    * Peloton at ?

by mobilegoat on Jul 17, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Contador/Popo 1:35 back Soler
and main group about 3:10 back so they are halfway in between. Evans somewhere between C/P and the Yellow Jersey group.

Soler a good thing, ASO can feel good about Barloworld with Hunter and Soler now.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Experiment
Der Lin♥s
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Menchov behind the Vino group?
That can't be good.
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 17, 2007 10:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Menchov casualty?
Looks like Menchov is back somewhere with Vino area too.

by Markk on Jul 17, 2007 10:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Time to switch to the second thread
It's up and waiting at the homepage. Thanks!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Evans not in the LL group
he is ahead somewhere.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 17, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Time to switch to the second thread
One more reminder. Thanks!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Sarkozy
was in the red car exhorting Moreau just now, if I'm not mistaken.

by Chilltown on Jul 17, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Time to switch to the second thread
last call... Thanks!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 17, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

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