Le Tour '07: Stage 19 Time Trial Live!!

hmm

1990 with lemond chiapucci and breukink

Levi better not play it safe, he could crash 4 times, blow up, and still get 3rd. I expect to see him going balls to the wall insane at every moment possible. Nothing would scare cadel more than putting enough time into contador only to find out he's losing to leipheimer.

On a side note, I can't find the depart schedule, anyone know when the top 5 go down the ramp?

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 3:38 AM EDT reply actions

Here's a list

http://www.feltet.dk/index.php?id_parent=1&id=28&id_nyhed=7735

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 5:14 AM EDT up reply actions

feltek.dk

Isn't that where all these dodgy rumours come from? I have this theory that it's not even real Danish, but just a room full of monkeys sitting in front of typewriters and every so often they hit the button that says "insert name of random cyclist."

by Monty. on Jul 28, 2007 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions

It's actually the second best newssite after CN

if you speak the language, that is.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:00 AM EDT up reply actions

It would be cool if he didn't wear an earpiece.

ala Lemond in 89. Plus I'd rather see Odessa at the end of the stage than Kathy Lemond screeching GREGGGGGG!!!!!!!!

Vlaenderen die Leu

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 7:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Vansevenant has iron grip on Lantern Rouge!!

Cancellara on the course but not tearing it up after first time check.

The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Jul 28, 2007 7:11 AM EDT reply actions

Yes, but

Hoste was only about 20 seconds ahead of De Groot there, and he ended up 2 minutes over him at the end.

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 7:15 AM EDT up reply actions

It just occurred to me

Since Bruneel will be riding behind Contador , Levi will probably have to rely on the sound advice and tactical wit of Dirk Demol. Might not be such a bad idea to lose the earpiece...

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:15 AM EDT reply actions

I heard LA will also be behind Contador w/Bruneel

The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Jul 28, 2007 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions

So........no pressure kid

I just travelled last minute across the world to bask in your glory. Don't let me down!

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions

my guess is his last minute appearance is

intended for publicity/new sponsorship purposes. Whether Lance doped or not, the suspicions remain; so I'm wondering if, considering today's hyper-reactive anti-doping atmosphere, his appearance will end up back-firing on the team. Might not have been a good decision to have him there.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions

that just seems dumb

why psyche him out like that? maybe that's just a rumor.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Oof

Fabian down 15 seconds on Hoste at the second check

Maybe he isn't on such a good day?

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 7:19 AM EDT reply actions

Millar's whell exploded?

Bummer...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 7:47 AM EDT reply actions

*wheel

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 7:48 AM EDT reply actions

Since Cancellara's tank was (half)empty

I'm predicting that Levi wins the stage.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:49 AM EDT reply actions

I don't follow you Jens

What do you mean?

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Cancellara didn't have enough

energy left to smash the field like he did in the prologue. A TT after three hard weeks is more about who's got more energy left than anything else. Levi seems to have some energy left, the way he's been riding these last stages.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I got you now

that sounds reasonable... LL was well protected for much of the race, could not go with ~:> as Bert did and Cattle looked on the rivet most of last week.

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I still have energy left

to write " energy left" one more time. Sorry about that.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions

depressing factoid from Bobby J.:

"Some of my younger CSC teammates pointed out to me that 80 percent of the riders who have been on the Tour podium over the past 10 years have been either caught doping or admitted to it."

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 8:12 AM EDT reply actions

well

Now maybe people will stop saying that doping is new to cycling.

Come on you Gunners.

by callmecayce on Jul 28, 2007 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Cancellara comments

after the finish. He said it had started to rain and the wet roads made him a little cautious. I don't think it will matter in the end, he probably wasn't on his best day. Says he will try to ride agressively tomorrow.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 8:15 AM EDT reply actions

Millar well off the pace now

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:18 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

2 bike failures will do that to you.

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions

two bike changes for Millar

what is it with mech issues during TT's ?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:22 AM EDT reply actions

two bikechanges

Did he ride into a ditch, yell at his mechanic and do the full Chicken-impersination?

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I saw the first one

Mavic disk wheel fell apart right out of the start house. I don't know the deal w/ the other change.

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Millar looks great on a TT bike

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:24 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I just hope he doesn't give up because of the mechanicals... I guess a top 10 stage finish really isn't worth it, though, if you can't win. Especially when the GC doesn't matter.

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions

CN reporting

that Cattle is using a 55x11 today... tailwind baby!

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:35 AM EDT reply actions

csc

really riding like a clean team this year, no? guys like Cance getting tired like normal humans, after 3 weeks. strangely reassuring.

C.F.A.

by Lili on Jul 28, 2007 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

Just tuned in

In the first 10 minutes Phil has identified the leader as "Paul Hoste" and, just now, "Frank Hoste."

by NE Observer on Jul 28, 2007 8:44 AM EDT reply actions

Millar has had the Tour of Job

Sun Allergy, TT bikes disintigrate, I hope he can win on the Champs.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions

Blue Jersey

Someone on another site (forget where) kept track of the Blue Jersey for the most Mechanical incidents during Le Tour. ~:> won it 2 years in a row. I think Millar would have it this year.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Yet another word on the ads

The word is: Marriages. I've grown oddly fond of the couple in the "Take it all off" paint tape ads, the ones who do their living room in subtle green stripes (not so crazy about the orange attic room color though). I give their union a good chance. But the two in the Hampton Court spot.... I worry. An imbecile woman being taken on an outing by a dutiful companion. The way she bounces around in the canoe is the killer, although her tic-like behavior on the Ferris wheel is pretty disconcerting too. What's the back story here? Is it the sequel to Light in the Piazza? (She's not pretty enough and he doesn't look Italian enough.)

The old man who had a problem is back! Problem still undisclosed. At least our friend Bob sometimes gets to go the distance.

(This is what the early stages of an ITT will do.)

by NE Observer on Jul 28, 2007 9:13 AM EDT reply actions

Remember when

all we had was Lincoln and O'Berto beef jerky commercials? Or the naked Bob Roll ones...

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

My wife and I

are currently doing some painting in the house. There's no dancing around. It's misery, and each time this commercial comes on, I want to puke.

Born from Jets...

by ssmith on Jul 28, 2007 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions

Johann

best director in the world??

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 9:33 AM EDT reply actions

Morning all

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions

Chris Horner

15th place overall. Great tour for him

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

What's on VO5's ipod?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

Leif Garrett

challenging Leif Hoste's time

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions

Morning all!

What a day.

Just in time to watch Thomas Dekker win the race.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions

Damn

Nope. Nice tongue though.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions

Dekk

What's Dutch for "tongue"?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Dekker the Younger

almost took it

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions

Ads

I have friends in Chelsea. Their conversations aren't that stupid.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Uh oh

Bad hair day at the first time check. Karpets by 4"

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 9:58 AM EDT reply actions

that's OK Jose

has blazed through the 1st check in 1st.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

Someone here called Gutti yesterday

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

:-D

For now, he's making me look good.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Guti

looks like he's on fire in that Spanish Champs skinsuit. Literally. Someone called him yesterday. Not bad...

Horner 3rd @ 1st timecheck. Came out too fast?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

Maurice Fothen

comes in. Get Phil a coffee...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

Valverde rolls out now

I wonder which noted non-time trialist will catch him today. My money's on Sastre.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

"Real Rennaissance" in Spanish Cycling

So soon after OP?

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply actions

They're Not Doing That Well

Only 13 Spanish riders in the top-23 overall, so it's not like they're dominating or, er...

by sylvan on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Whoa

Skinny little Bernhard Kohl riding a great time trial.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

The Euskatel kit

makes them look as if they have plumber's ass.

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

looks like those jeans with windows

in the back. Or was that just a movie?

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

"Well, I guess I'll be on my way."

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

Levi Leaving

Levi leaving the starting gate.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Hincapie into 1st!

Great ride for George stomping a huge gear all the way.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Hink looking good

riding a very big gear

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Hincapie in with best time

but Karpets is about to vacuum him up

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Hincapie comes in

first! He beat his fellow classicsman Hoste to take the lead.

Karpets puts 31 seconds into Guti though, 2nd time check.

Evans going off now. Hoo boy!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

It's Ca-del mate!

He's lining up. Looks focused, not nervous.

-K-

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

Here comes Cadel

Cadel Evans is about to leave hes definately my tip for today because he has the most to ride for.

Burger

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

In a tour

marked by incredibly ugly Oakly sunglasses (even more than doping scandals) I'm surprised that Cadel's red frames aren't so bad.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

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

Cadel starting out hard!

This is going to be a thrilling TT finish! (I hope)

-K-

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

Cadel isn't on the 11 yet

just warming up the legs.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

Gerdemann, Schumacher, & Dekker

having a very fine finish for the young dudes. I don't see a time for gusev, but I imagine he'll be up there too.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Contador

Can you imagine what was going thru his mind at the starthouse? What a story...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

C'mon Jose

I want shoe covers like that

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

Guti

See if he's still up on Hink. Damn, that kit is powerful stuff. I don't think he has it.

Nope, he does. Beats Hincapie by 6".

The Mullet of Moscow is going to ace them all in a moment though.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

What Game Play?

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Damn they never stay

on the riders long enough to really tell how they are doing.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

Vlad is driving a stake into 'em

31 secs at time check 2

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think I'll be dissappointed regardless

of the outcome today. While I'm rooting for Bert, and would love to see LL pull off a miracle, it will be a good day for cycling if Evans ends up overtaking Bert.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

Contador

w/in 3" of Evans at first check. Pretty good sign, though since the entire Tour is riding on it, the rather casual delivery of information is lame.

Do they mean that Levi has 50" on Evans?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Paul has LL putting :59 into Cattle

so far?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

Levi

Only 50 seconds "virtually" behind Cadel Evans. Thats a catch up of 9 seconds. He's catching him, but is this a tactic to try and scare evans into pushing to hard when e doesn't need to?

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

OK nevermind

nobody's at the check yet.

Yaro-Pop was 3rd there. Ripping up the road.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

Kim Kirchen 2 sec slower than Karpets

at the check!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

Nice!

That guy has done some hard riding this year. He was strong for pretty much all of April too.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Gotta thank him on behalf of my VDS-team

Thought he would earn points in April, not in March and most definately not in July! Chapeau

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Cadel

goes to 55x11

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

You techies drive me nuts with these calls.

How the hell can you tell? Is is something I can only realistically learn hands-on?

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Pereiro going well

Thankfully it matters not at all.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

Trying to guess Cadel's Cadence

80? maybe, they don't stay on them long enough to really tell. 80 in a 55x11 = ~31 mph/ 50 kph

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:33 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel is right on the tip

of the saddle--that's gotta hurt.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Levi

LL goes through the first time check first.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

Levi

19 mins and 36 seconds just to be precise

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

Levi is hauling ass!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

I love the disc wheel sound

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

Levi 1st at time check

by 45 seconds!!!!!!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

pls ignore my math

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Reason # ? to respect Cadel:

from CN:

Before the start of today's crucial Time Trial and, without doubt, the most important 55 kilometres he has ever ridden, Cadel Evans told Cyclingnews' John Trevorrow that his shoulder was still sore from the collision near the end of yesterday's stage.

"It's pretty sore actually but I'm alright. It was a bit of a scare last night as it was quite inflamed. But it will be fine. No excuses."

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

Dayum

the leaders are flying!!!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel down 14 seconds

to Levi.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Time check

19:49 +14 on LL.

Sastre is riding hard!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Holy shit!

Go Levi!!! Wowowowow... Jens has called it so far.

Evans only 14" down.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Evans

19.49 for evans a very solid time i can't see levi holding this.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

LL over the hill

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Wow...

this is going to be an incredible battle. Long way to go.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

Roll out the Karpets

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

LL's hating his 3 sec loss yesterday

and 10 sec penalty from the alps right about now.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Bad Hair Day!

Karpets into first.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Vlad beating JIG

So that puts the CdE guys at the top, closely followed by the Paris-Roubaix crowd (Hinc, Hoste, Cance), and the peach-fuzz boyz (Dekker, Schumi, Gerdemann)

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Apparently

Cael has over 30 seconds on Contador. And Karptets comes in first. over 30 seconds in front of the previous best time.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Why

are you about a minute ahead of me? Are you watching a feed? Is VS slow? Are you taking performance enhancers?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Sastre giving up nothing

to Zubeldia. Everybody is riding HARD

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry make that levi

He has lost over 30 seconds from Levi not Cadel my bad.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Contador 3rd!

22" behind Evans at 17km. So far so good... but he won't have a lot of time to play with. And there's a long way to go still.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

oooooooooh

this is gonna be CLOSE!!!!!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Only a handful of kph

between the leaders.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

those 3 seconds...

will it haunt Contador?

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

You'd think he'd have learned his lesson

after Paris-Nice.

You GOTTA pay attention!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

why can't we get

COMMERCIAL-FREE coverage for the last 45 minutes?

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions

Watch the NOS

video feed. It'll get you thru the commercials, but it's a couple minutes behind VS, I think

Born from Jets...

by ssmith on Jul 28, 2007 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Demol

shouting motivational speeches into the earphones. One more reason to outlaw race radios.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

intermediate #1 17.5 km (of 55.5 km)

* 1.USA LEIPHEIMER L.
111
DSC
00:19:36
* 2.AUS EVANS C.
41
PRL
00:19:50
00:00:14 x 3.17 = 44 sec
* 3.ESP CONTADOR A.
112
DSC
00:20:12
00:00:36 x 3.17 = 114 sec

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

That is amazing

but can LL keep that up?

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Levi looks smoove

fantastic. I think he can hold that pace.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

Levi

riding the modified Landis position, arms angled slightly up but not as severely as his countryman.

Contador losing 1.2" per KM to Evans, Paul says. That will keep the Accountant safe. Evans isn't doing it... yet.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel might be holding

something in reserve, too. you never know.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel looks more tortured

and Contador isn't losing time fast enough.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Cadel always looks like that

so it's hard to judge. but his effort doesn't seem good enough.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Last 5kms could be the difference

I think that Levi might die off in the last five but will Contador. Evans looks strong and in his last five on the last time trial he was even faster than Vino all doped up.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

Contador is falling apart

I think

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

yup

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions

yep squared

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

i think Cadel's incident after the stage yesterday

has affected him (shoulder bruise) enough to make a difference. Pred-Lotto was downplaying it, but it definitely played at least a psychological part in the TT prep.

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Was that

On the Rivet with the helmet horns? That'd be a nice story: gets married, honeymoons in France, brings his helmet with 12-foot-high antlers and chases down American riders. Respect.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

I only wish

Sorry, back at home and watching on TV like the rest of you. Would have been a great end to the honeymoon, though, thanks for the idea.

by OnTheRivet on Jul 28, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

What happened to Cadel yesterday?

I totally missed it, whatever it was...

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

i posted this above

from CN:

Before the start of today's crucial Time Trial and, without doubt, the most important 55 kilometres he has ever ridden, Cadel Evans told Cyclingnews' John Trevorrow that his shoulder was still sore from the collision near the end of yesterday's stage.

"It's pretty sore actually but I'm alright. It was a bit of a scare last night as it was quite inflamed. But it will be fine. No excuses."

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Evans vs Contador

Apparently Evans has caught 44 seonds on Contador according to Paul and Phil.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

I wonder if the sprint

time bonuses will count tomorrow!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

its a lot to put on AC at 24

(the LA in the car doesn't help, in my opinion)

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel hit a spectator

asking for an autograph after stage 18

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Levi

Levi sets best time by a minute and 12 seconds.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Levi!!!

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Levi at 35km

First by 1.12! He is fucking tearing it up. He absolutely should win the stage... n/s about the Tour yet...

Can I say once more, Holy sheit!!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

God Evans

looks fast on a TT bike.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Well, Levi has shut up

a LOT of his detractors today.

Whatever happens, Levi put in a tremendous performance with the race on the line.

I'm still pulling for Cadel, but respect for LL

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Sastre is

quietly riding an awesome TT.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Contador in trouble?

Paul now says Evans is gaining fast enough.

20km to go for Levi. No hair replaces bad hair on the stage podium.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

that hill must hurt

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

boy the next half hour

will redeem all my pessimism about being a cycling fan after Vinorasmusmoreni-gate!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

so much for LL's mediocre TT ability

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

Wow this is gonna be so tight.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

What the hell will Disco say

if Contador fails and LL takes yellow? "We had faith in you all along Levi"......Leipheimer pees himself laughing and leaves the room

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

we always said

that Levi could podium.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Evans TT second check

Evans has come through the second time check at 40 mins and 19 thats 35 seconds slower than levi

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel at 2nd check

35" behind Levi!!

He might just thread the needle. At this rate he won't lose that last 25" in the last 20km... or will he?

I can't believe how close all this is. I just can't believe it. There's never been anything like this before, has there?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Subaru

Bears attacking...

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

usa is the best country in the world

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 28, 2007 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

f---ing commercials!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

those farging iceholes!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh Good...

A pennzoil commercial!

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

Contador

Contador has come through the second time check at 41 mins 13 seconds.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

Lance's advice from the car

Pedal faster!!!! High cadences win the Tour!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

No lack of Drama today!!!!

Holding my breath for Contador's time.

Absolutly best possible results: Stage win for Levi, Yellow for Cadel.

I'm on the edge of my sofa...

I can't imagine being in Contador's shoes, on the rivit, losing time, coach screaming in my ear, feeling the race slip slip slip away...

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

Contador, pick it up!

Razor-thin margins all around...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

Dirk deMol

driving Levi crazy

by hughw on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

Levi

hurrying to finish so he doesn't have to listen to Demol anymore.

Phil: Contador's energy draining... Wouldn't be a shock.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

Demol...

jeez is that all they do? Venga, Venga, Venga...

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

Over/Under

I figured the Accountant needed to be 41:30 at the 35 km split to match Levi at the finish, so he has about 17 seconds in hand. Yikes. It's gonna be close.

by sylvan on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

LL just wants to finish

so he doesn't have to listen to Dirk anymore

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

I keep expecting Dirk to break out

in a chorus of "VENGA VENGA VENGA"

If I was riding an ITT w/ Saiz screaming at me, I think I'd stop and garotte him w/ my chain. I think Levi may be considering the same w/ demol.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Next stage

We can see that even now the final stage should be a doozy

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Whose your tip from here?

Its so close its hard to tell but i think Evans may have kept something in reserve i think it will either be Levi, cadel and contador podium or cadel, levi, contador.

Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Soler! Yay!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

I've lost respect for Phil

Too much blatant cheering to follow up his sad-bastard whitewash of the problems.

I think he's just a relic of the earlier era, absolute best in the English speaking world, but in an era where the riders pretended to be clean and the journos pretended to believe them.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Categorize him

He's a play-by-play man, not an editorialist. I always thought that when he did opinion stuff he sounded like, well, what you said. But in the moment, he's still the same guy more or less.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

what would you say

without any official announcement...?

by orangekick on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Well

I wouldn't say twice in one tour "well they've caught all the cheaters now" after two scandals.

I missed the AM stage the other day and Al FREAKING Troutwig called him on that. He said something like "Wait a minute Phil, didn't you say that Sunday in London? Are you serious?"

My jaw dropped. Al Trautwig showing up Phil for his whitewash veneer.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

well, I don't find

these announcers appalling for their "misplaced" optimism-- if they weren't optimistic they'd make the telecast too gloomy to watch.

let the tests knock the riders out.

by orangekick on Jul 28, 2007 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Yaro-pop

Comes in2nd. Disco are running away and hiding with the yellow numbers.

Soler sighting! Yay!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Soler comes in

still in the race. Doped? Who knows?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Dope?

Nope!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

All a hoax

No positive test, no raid at the Barloworld hotel, the press conference was ASO telling the UCI to go peform an intimate act on themselves.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Hold it!

[sarcasm]I thought rumors were the final word in doping?

You mean someone might not have been caught????[/sarcasm

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Actually

I heard he ran out the back door in a towel and hid in the bushes. They couldn't find him so he was cleared to keep racing.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Hmmmm

Maybe Flomax could help me spend more time in front of the TV watching commercials.

by sylvan on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Why are they eating sausages

in the FloMax ads? That is kind of creepy...

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

LOL!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

2nd time check (35.0 of 55.5 km)

* 1.USA LEIPHEIMER L.
111
DSC
00:39:44
* 2.AUS EVANS C.
41
PRL
00:40:19
00:00:35 x 1.58 = 55 sec
* 3.RUS KARPETS V.
15
GCE
00:40:57
00:01:13
* 4.UKR POPOVYCH Y.
118
DSC
00:41:12
00:01:28
* 5.ESP CONTADOR A.
112
DSC
00:41:13
00:01:29 x 1.58 = 140 seconds (slowed from 114 seconds at previous check)

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

D'oh

Sastre is flying and LL just caught 3 minutes on him.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Wowowow

Levi blows past Carlos for 3'.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Can I just say

GO LEVI!!!!!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

LEVI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

What an amazing race

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

Contador not looking

too bad. Sastre grabs Levi's wheel. Bit of a climb, Levi's rhythm off a tad.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

El batilble

comes in, not terrible.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

Next time check sooooon

Why does't' Valverdre ride a better TT?

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

the Devil only gave him

three wishes when he sold his soul.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

a mechanical problem

would KILL any of the 3 now.

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

this could be

the Disco Show

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

Demol

Geez he's going nuts!

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

cameraman has it right

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

Disco cars

pass Sastre. That's why they were showing him... stuck trying to get to Levi.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

ValvPiti's bone structure doesn't favor TTing

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

What does this mean?

by NE Observer on Jul 28, 2007 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Levi 10 second penalty

VN makes a good point: what if the tour is decided by that 10 second penalty Levi got in the Alps?

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

what ifs

no time for them!

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Levi ahead of Evans?

6km to go. Paul says they were within 10" overall on the road.

Unbeliveable. 6km to go for Levi and we have no idea what's going to happen.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

LL going flat out

thru the corners

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Bullshit penalty too

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

So...

has there been a 50.1km time check all day? News to me.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

1 km to go

that was quick!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

More Demol

Has Levi really had to listen to that all day? Yikes.

Levi in last km.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

LEVI!!!!!

Straining hard, stands up for the last little rise.

1.02.44!!

Unbelievable ride!!!!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

great ride,

on par with LeMond

by orangekick on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Levi to the tent

"Give me all the tests you got biches!"

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

53.1 kph! wow! (32.9)

almost as fast as Cancellara's prologue speed. amazing.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

Media pounces

on poor Levi. Does he get a chance to breathe??

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

C'MON CADEL

this finish has got to be agony

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

Two men left

Contador hasn't lost yellow yet, not to Evans.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

Evans needs 33"

And Phil says he ain't gonna get it.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

without the chicken's presence

LL would of won 2 stages.

by orangekick on Jul 28, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

he'll lose it to LL

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

Cadel needs

1.03.43

Or he's behind Levi.

So freaking close...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

:03 seconds?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

Evans takes it by about 10 seconds I predict.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

CADEL!!!!!!!!

yessss

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

CADEL

Defends his position!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Evans comes home now...

Can he hang on to a place ahead of Levi??

30

35

1.03.35!!!

He held off Levi Leipheimer! Now, is he in Yellow??

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Contador still

running 5th overall. Needs to ride an inspired finish.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

Damn, attention to detail

the 10 seconds in the Alps and 3 seconds for falling asleep at the finish yesterday may cost Levi a place.

Just like 2005. Damn shame, that was an amazing ride today!!!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

I told you those 10 seconds would matter....

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

2 km to go

for Contador... It will be close. He might be able to do it, perhaps.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Contador now

Zips thru that roundabout quickly

Needs 1.05.24. I think he'll beat that. In that case the podium doesn't change today, but if they're all within a few seconds of each other, tomorrow will be madness.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Madness

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Van Summeran might be the MVP

after tomorrow!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Contador takes it by 30 seconds, I predict.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Last KM!!

1.03.43

He should finish just in time. It's slightly uphill, though that should benefit him.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

CONTADOR UP MY 23 SECONDS

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Nice! :20

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Contador hammering!!

Suddenly looks great! It's going to be close, but he's determined.

Out of the saddle. Here he comes in...

1.05.02!!!!!!!

He wins the Tour by 23 seconds!! I don't think they can challenge him tomorrow!

Wow...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

damn

The kid hangs on. Brilliant rides all 'round.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Will they race for the intermediate sprints

and on the Champs?

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

nope, Vino's out

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

We can hope.

It helps that the sprinters could be uninterested any more in points if Boonen has it sewn up.

by hughw on Jul 28, 2007 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

nope. all done!

Champange, please!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

from CN

Provisional standings

Finish - km 55.0
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Channel 1.02.45 (53.068 km/h)
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto 0.50
3 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Caisse d'Epargne 1.56
4 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Discovery Channel 2.01
5 Alberto Contador (Spa) Discovery Channel 2.18
6 Iván Gutiérrez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2.26
7 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel 2.32
8 Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2.35
9 Leif Hoste (Bel) Predictor - Lotto 2.48
10 Mikel Astarloza (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 2.49

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

Wow!

an amazing TT. The podium is probably set. I can't imagine PDL will try any crazy tactics tomorrow.

-K-

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

more from CN

In the general classification, Contador holds on by 23" over Evans. Leipheimer is 31" back, so there's just 8" between second and third overall...

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

awesome stage

if levi could just want it that bad during the whole race...

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Plus

a :03 time gap at the finish yesterday.

:13 seconds he didn't have to lose.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

OK

but he probably gained 5" at least by his actions, right? Eh...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

may be...

LL said it was a legit penalty

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Ask him again

I wonder what he say now

Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

HIS actions, or his mechanic's, or JB's?

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup,

He's got to watch those details...

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Wow!

Well, it's a good thing I left Contador off my VDS team after coming close to picking him. If it's really 23 seconds, that should prevent any shenanigans from happening tomorrow. Evans won't outsprint the sprinters, and Disco can just stick Hincapie on his wheel in case he tries to get away. George can take the time bonuses off him and nullify whatever Evans might try.

If it were under 20", then the final time bonus would potentially decide the Tour. But over 20", I don't think so.

Obviously this is only the second closest Tour ever, closer than the Roche Tour but not in LeMond/Fignon territory (8"). But has the third place rider ever been this close? I think this is the most amazing 3-way race ever.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

Hats off to all three of them

they all put in HUGE performances.

Levi won the day

Cadel defended his position

Alberto defended his jersey

Brilliant, brilliant rides.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

time penalty was unfortunate

but every stage counts. i know he had a bit more in the tank along the race that he could have drawn from

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

The Accountant

beats Guti. Respect.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

How sacrosanct

is the "no race" rule tomorrow? I mean, will we see any hustling by LL for time bonuses, or is it pretty much guaranteed to be a gentlemen's ride to Paris?

And c'mon --- chapeau to LL! Nineteen days deep and he pulls off a sensational TT win!

Even with all the scandals, I think the racing in this Tour has been phenomenal.

j

by 72andSunny on Jul 28, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Huge, giant, mega respect for LL

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

I would say to hell with the tradition

If I were Cadel I'd race.

by hughw on Jul 28, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

i think

disco will keep a tight leash on tomorrow's stage

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Levi's first stage win

Just in time too. He'll be hard-pressed to match this performance next year. Great way to cap his career.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

see

races with clean riders are more exciting (provided that no one comes up positive in the next 24 hours)

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Uhh ..

"clean"?

that's presuming quite a lot ...

by 72andSunny on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

i know, i know...

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

LL says he's not

going to "pull a Vino" on Cadel.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Valverde will try

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

"Not gonna pull a vinokourov on him"

Classy Levi. He plans to stand down tomorrow. Though Evans can't catch yellow, in all likelihood, Levi could find 9" in a few places. But he won't.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Levi is a mensch, no doubts about it.

the "I'm not going to pull a Vinokourov" comment seals it.

Nothing wrong with pulling a Vinokourov, that's racing, but Levi lives and dies by his own rules. Respect to him for doing that.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

As for tactics

It's hard to criticize the race he rode. Like the Fla elections, when things get this close you can always say "if only x, y, or z was different,..." If only Levi had taken a bit more time in this place or that...

But the fact is he rode conservatively so that he would nail the last few stages. He bided (bode?) his time, and the result is a huge TT. Had he been battling all thru the Alps, it's not likely he'd have been as fresh.

You can pretty much say the same about Evans too. So conservative riding is maybe pretty smart?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

there's conservative

and there's ultra conservative. one of the problems is the failure of many teams to pick a leader. it is much more effective to use your team to support one person, rather than having top riders fend for themselves.

kudos to cadel. a testament to what a great rider he is. he had a fabulous tour and did it without the resources or riders that disco or csc has

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

so how much is the hate for JB going to skyrocket

now?

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Speaking for myself...

the mistrust and disrespect will continue. those are based on actions.

the respect for his ability as a DS is maintained. However you feel about his methods, the man knows how to win a bike race.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I hate mistrusting the guy, but you and others

here have opened my eyes to a lot about the state of cycling that I would never have known otherwise. I don't have your wealth of knowledge or historical context to be able to make any definitive statements about JB and others, so I appreciate your input as it helps me look at the sport with a more critical (skeptical) eye. Cheers.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I can't imagine PDL going for

time bonuses, etc... it's just too unlikely.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

I doubt Horner would approve, another class act

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

he has gotten better

and better each year. what is this, his 3rd tour? 4th?

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Meh, I think he'd go for it.

No disprect to Horner, but he's a battler, a combatant.

I approve of Levi's statement, but I also approved of Vino stealing his lunch money. This is a competition after all, and the race goes not always to the swift.

So, I like Horner but I think he'd be down for some battlin'

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

huh?

chronic wheel suckage and surprise attacks for meaningless placings are admirable in the Koppenberg racing book. sportsmanship and chivalry, not so much?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Both, sorta

My hat goes off to sportsmen like Jens (not there is anyone like Jens) who decline to take advantage of others. Like when he didn't contest the sprint for that Giro stage when Garate pulled him up the mountain.

My hat also goes off to sportsmen like Vino in 2005 who refuse to concede the race until the very last moment. He never, never, never quit. That says a lot about him.

I even have a guilty respect for sneaky and crafty riders like Toto who suck wheels and sucker poor sods into doing all the work and then steal the glory. Winning with guile is nearly as impressive as winning with talent.

Horner is a competitive dude. That means he's been a hot head sometimes, but what fuels that is a competitive fire. I was annoyed w/ him for bitching about Sylvain Chavanel a few years back, but I respect his drive.

So I'll complain if a guy doesn't work in a break and then sprints to win, but that's racing and a win is a win. I respect honorable behavior, but that doesn't make it ok to volunteer to be a victim. You've got to watch your ass at all times, that is part of racing too.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Chekc

About the only truly verboten act is sitting in a break, refusing to help it succeed, when nobody in the break is a threat to your team, and then winning. It's rarely this black and white.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 28, 2007 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions

It is complicated

which is one of the great things about cycling.

Jens manages to get into lots of breaks, probably because he's willing to work. If a chronic wheel sucker gets in a break, it's not as likely to get anywhere, so my guess is that the wheel suckers don't get in as many breaks. I'm just pissed about wheel suckers because I race with more than a few.

And from my personal experience, wheel suckers have a hard life, at least in our little local peleton--everyone knows who they are, and they are not beloved characters. If one is on the back through a turn--where else would they be? If I happen to be there, I might keep my brakes on a little longer than necessary so they have to sprint to get back on. While the folks who work all the time get help when they need it. The draft in the pack is a strange little world.

As for the Champs duel, I guess if I were the PDL DS, I'd tip my king over and wait for next year--go back with a Cadel oriented team.

But Horner is saying "game on!":

When asked if he felt the GC-contenders would race for it Horner didn't hesitate a moment. "Wouldn't you?" Horner asked, "I've never seen anyone not race for it if it's going to be that close. Thirty seconds is not do-able, twenty maybe is do-able but everything under that is definitely do-able." With a 23 second gap separating first and second overall, and eight back from second to third will the gentleman's agreement hold in to Paris?

PDL doesn't have an impressive leadout train but they probably have more last kilometer firepower than Disco. If they could split the field in the last few kilometers, it's possible that the QS and CA trains could blow the race apart.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions