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Around SBN: The Animated GIFs Of January

Another One In the Books

Really? It's over?

Truth be told, I could use a break. I doubt that's news to any of the regulars. The fevered pitch at which we start the season -- or even the preseason -- tends to make it hard to sustain the excitement til the end. But what are we supposed to do, contain our enthusiasm in March? Ignore the Tour of California? Next year is actually going to be even worse, with Lance's comeback beginning in January and our first large-scale Podium Cafe meatspace gathering at the ToC. We'll be in midseason form here before the first Het Volk startlist is posted.

I wouldn't have it any other way. To me, the pro cycling season, just like the amateur scene, will always be a bit front-loaded. The spring classics are cycling nirvana; the Giro is the feast; and the Tour is the Super Bowl. No matter how great the races are in late summer and fall, the spring and the Tour are too hard a set of acts to follow. Add in vacations and the inevitable quickening of life in September (back to school and work), and following the sport just gets a tad less intense.

Make no mistake, this is merely a discussion of rhythms. I've been at this for five years now, and with a chance to catch my breath I'll be chomping at the bit for 2009. Having kids (for me) means picking one or maybe two ways to have fun outside of work and family, and this (plus riding) is what I've chosen. Bloggers, even some prominent ones, sometimes get burnt out after a while. To me, that's a completely foreign concept.

Of course, this is a community site, and my own story is that of just one voice (albeit a loud one). The editors, Veloki's brilliant designs, the Benna-love Caucus, and all the people who post and comment here, each person has a hand in creating what this blog has become. I don't believe in singling people out because every contribution matters. So to everyone reading this... thanks!

Finally, this isn't ciao or even see you later -- we may not have live (road) race threads or VDS updates for a couple months, but we'll be breaking down the season, following innumerable storylines that lead into the next one, and calling on all Cyclocross fans to follow the mud-splatterers on both the US and European scene.

It never stops...

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I so love the count down clock.

If we ALL “rec” this one will it stay up too until the race? LOL!

Huge thanks to many here as well. This fall has been filled with odd work stuff, the dizziness thingy, and trying to get out to ride a bit more with cooler weather before snow hits so I’ve been slow but do my best in catching up. I hope the Cross folks help with live pics if they get out there. I’ve been going to the local series here and having a blast. Not ready to say good night to the fun of cheering and watching races live just yet.

Huge THANKS to you Chris for all the fun we get to have here. :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 19, 2008 1:44 AM EDT reply actions  

Back to work in the morning.

Not sure if that is good or bad. ha ha! Stronger meds seems to be doing the trick. :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 20, 2008 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's semi-permanent

see left sidebar.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 20, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

So fun.

And look, we’re already down to 130 days.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 20, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

and thanks to the enthusiastic race watchers here

I have watched far more pro cycling than usual à cause de PC

by cyclingchallenge on Oct 19, 2008 6:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

OK then

75 days til TDU

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 19, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Aren't things

all opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, so wouldn’t that really be only 57 days and not 75.

Errr, I guess not :(

by Katiek on Oct 19, 2008 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

No, no, no, it's south of the equator...

… so you start at -57 and count upwards, counterclockwise.

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 20, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

It was great chatting to you all

Thanks to the Podium Cafe team, had a great time even though i was a late starter… But looking forward to next year, I’m starting at the TDU in January… This should be great photo opportunities as i’m staying in same hotel, and going to the Ball… Bring on the Hotties.. LOL..

by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2008 5:54 AM EDT reply actions  

You're going to the ball??!!

Now I’m jealous. Do riders go to this ball too?! Any excuse to wear a pretty frock but that sounds like the best ball imaginable!

by Albertina on Oct 19, 2008 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yes the riders go to the Ball..

I can’t wait to see them in there suits… It will be so much fun….

by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Anyone can buy tickets

Or at least you could last year. So those of you heading out west for the big race, if you want to go large, get yourself a ticket, put on your best duds, and you too can mingle with the cycling elite…

by Jimbo... on Oct 19, 2008 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yes they can..

Here is the link –
http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/2009/Legends+Night+Dinner

and if anyone decided to come over, i look forward to meeting and have a drink…

And Albertina – You know me, there will be photos and lot’s of them… I will work my magic again…. LOL

I’m waiting for the list of teams and who’s coming with anticipation..

by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

great job Chris!

Another outstanding pro year. This is the year we turn you into a cross fan.

by Peter Fontecchio on Oct 19, 2008 6:50 AM EDT reply actions  

seriously

Cross was my first pro cycling love, and I didn’t even know it. We got next to no tv in my part of Germany in the 80s, but one station we did get showed Dutch and Belgian cross (for what seemed like) all day Saturday, every Saturday. Found it enthralling. Still do.

by Sui Juris on Oct 19, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

What about - Coppa Lella Mentaste in Borgomanero, Italy

Have just seen some of the names that are racing.. I would love to watch this..

by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2008 7:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Coppa Lella Mentaste

1 Marco Velo (Ita) / Fabio Sabatini (Ita) Team Milram 1.01.27 (50.96km/h)
2 Giampaolo Cheula (Ita) / Diego Caccia (Ita) Barloworld 0.44
3 Fabrice Piemontesi (Ita) / Reda Fabrizio (NCG Medical) 1.45
4 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) / Kreuziker Roman (Liquigas) 2.32
5 Alessandro Ballan (Ita) / Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre 2.48
6 Maurizio Biondo (Ita) / Bossini) – Adriano Angeloni (Ita) Ceramica Flaminia-Bossini Docce 2.57
7 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) / Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) LPR Brakes 3.01
8 Cadel Evans (Aus) / Lotto) – Matthew Lloyd (Aus) Silence-Lotto 4.23
9 Gabriele Bosisio (Ita) / Paolo Bailetti (Ita) LPR Brakes 4.39
10 Carlos Sastre (Spa) / Volodimir Gustov (Ukr) CSC-Saxo Bank 4.46
11 Mauro Santambrogio (Ita) / Francesco Gavazzi (Ita) Lampre 4.58
12 Michael Rogers (Aus) / Scott Davis (Aus) Columbia 5.23
13 Andrea Tonti (Ita) / Davide Viganò (Ita) Quick Step
14 Luca Paolini (Ita) / Francesco Failli (Ita) Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo 5.36
15 Giovanni Visconti (Ita) / Leonardo Scarselli (Ita) Quick Step 6.00
16 Francesco Ginanni (Ita) / Santo Anzà (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli 6.06
17 Marco Bandiera (Ita) / Andrea Grendene (Ita) Lampre
18 Marco Marzano (Ita) / Paolo Tiralongo (Ita) Lampre 6.31
19 Leonardo Bertagnolli (Ita) / Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 7.02
20 Francesco Tomei (Ita) / Mauro Finetto (Ita) CSF Group Navigare 7.28

by lucybears on Oct 19, 2008 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

i need a break too...

my first year in podium cafe and i’m very satisfied. I finished my blog today and next year this blog/forum will be my only spot for talking of cycling and training my english..lol

So, até qualquer dia, and i will be watching the transfers…

PS: Take careful with my VDS next year…lol

by semprenaroda on Oct 19, 2008 8:14 AM EDT reply actions  

+1
i need a break too…
my first year few months in podium cafe and i’m very satisfied…

thanks!!

(and watch out for The Neofighters for a full season next year…!)

by nicknorco on Oct 19, 2008 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's been great having you around!

And I love the new avatar :)

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 20, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Great job Chris and thanks to all!

I’d been a lurker here for a while and only finally reared my head in (what else) a Benna-love discussion after the Giro. I felt simply compelled to join in (natuarally) and well, I’m still here! Personally I don’t have many friends who are into cycling so having you lot to share in my excitement/heartache throughout the season has been wonderful. And how will I spend the next 131 days? Well, my shiny new Bianchi should, barring disasters, be touching down in London in precisely 10 days. The open road here I come. I will of course be here too, a lot :-)

by Albertina on Oct 19, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Now what shall I have? I'm currently thinking a large Baileys....mmmmm.

Seriously though, that’s so annoying! What’s taking them so long?

by Albertina on Oct 19, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

They can;t give me answer

Just that it is still in spain.. Every other new model has arrived in australia except mine…

by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks to everyone.

I can’t participate in the the live race coverage, but I thoroughly enjoy reading all the comments when my work day is over. The PdC is the only “forum” type of cycling website in which I participate.

I am looking forward to Cycling Revealed’s Winter Trivia, and the bragging rights that come along with topping the PdC leader board. I’ll put up a new Fanpost when I have all the details for this year’s series of contests, which usually starts with the first Monday in November.

by The Team Chef on Oct 19, 2008 2:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Oooo quizzes!

I’m always up for a quiz :-) Once almost got on University Challenge on the TV but my college fell at the final hurdle. We’d have been ok with cycling questions….

by Albertina on Oct 19, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Job well done to Chris and Podium Cafe crew!!

lyne….big thanks to you for telling me about this happy cycling community. You kept bragging about what a fab site this was…..and after lurking a bit I decided to finally post a wee bit. So glad I did!!

crashdan…you remain my hero smile….you and the Sasuke gang!!

albertina….I will continue to share beautiful Alejandro with you…..Valverde Fondue….I am still loving that!!

gavia….girl, do you ever sleep. I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts!

I look forward to meeting some of you at the ToC!!

Chris…..brilliant countdown clock!!

Is it 2009 yet?

by steph- on Oct 19, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions  

yes :-)

lol, when was the last time i made a live thread? sometime around the Giro, I think ;-)

by Jen See on Oct 20, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks Chris and the PdC crew and posters!

This place is an oasis in the cycling web, I’ve really enjoyed reading this site and being part of it.

Now to winter sports, unfortunately we are brewing a new scandal here about the 2001 disaster….duh.

by Bruce Suomi on Oct 19, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Vive le Bruce Gap!

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 20, 2008 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Indeed

I’m surprised I got the post up before he commented on it.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 20, 2008 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Plus one on the gap for sure.

Where else can we see such pleasant futures with good friends. :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 20, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks,

also finishing my first road season here at PC, and I appreciate finding such a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and funny group with whom to share the fun (and the not so fun) developments.

Even if the race season is over, I still have the Fashion Shows, I mean the TDF and Girs route unveilings, to anticipate.

by Katiek on Oct 19, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Yes indeedy

Fall Fashion Week. Do we need a count-down timer?

by Jen See on Oct 20, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

So exciting, these presentations.

You can even watch the thing live so I believe. We need a live thread. I so love fashion commentary! Of course, I am excited about discovering the route too. I’m not THAT shallow.

by Albertina on Oct 20, 2008 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh good Lord! That's, er, nice....

No, I say anyone with an interesting fashion sense, good or bad, is welcome. It’s all about the entertainment ;-)

by Albertina on Oct 21, 2008 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

+1+1+1 on that

I’ll be happy to see him there

by CycleGirl on Oct 21, 2008 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

Kumbaya, bitches

I’m not a sports fan, and I swore off ’net-based relationships years ago (esp. after I got the bill), but here I am. Seriously dig you guys. Thanks for a fantastic season.

Now let’s ride bikes!

by Sui Juris on Oct 19, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Fireside chats?

This was my first season at the Podium Cafe, and I’ve enjoyed it very much. Thanks to you, Chris, for this great place. It’s one of a kind.

I hope there are topics here that people can stretch out and enjoy, figurative brandy snifter in hand, during the off-season. I’ve imagined long winter evenings (or snow days!) when there’s time to learn a thing or two about cycling history, philosophy, books, etc. from all of you brainiacs.

Ciao, friends. 2009 will be amazing.

by Steno on Oct 20, 2008 12:23 AM EDT reply actions  

sounds lovely :-)

I feel certain that there will be topics. Like, anyone here could stop talking cycling?

by Jen See on Oct 20, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ooh!

good topic. Answer: I suppose there are physical impediments, if you’re really unlucky. Otherwise, it’s not possible.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 20, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

completely inconceivable in my view

now, if i could just get this freakin’ post i’m writing to write itself.

espresso, check.
fifty open tabs, check.
title, check.

words? eh, not so much. mondaze.

by Jen See on Oct 20, 2008 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

But wait!

There’s the Tour de France presentation on the 22nd, Basso’s return on the 26th, Amstel Curacao on November 1st, and…and…presentations for the Giro and Vuelta, and reports from training camps should begin in December—so before you know it, it’ll be January and time to gear up for the Tour Down Under.

Huge thanks to Chris and everyone at Podium Cafe—I wandered in this season, too, and am certainly glad I did.

by majope on Oct 20, 2008 7:35 AM EDT reply actions  

I was just about to point out that Curacao is approaching.

It’s very important, as a photo collecting opportunity if nothing else….

by Albertina on Oct 20, 2008 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

yay!

fun times galore :-)

by Jen See on Oct 20, 2008 12:50 PM EDT reply actions  

oh, and

following my usual habit of hitting send too quickly:
thanks to chris for giving such a fun place to play!

by Jen See on Oct 20, 2008 12:51 PM EDT reply actions  

All I do

is take the cover off the sandbox…

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 20, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

I only de-lurked in August, after having this site in my bookmarks for a long time. Enjoy it all the more so since de-lurking.

pounding along in three ratios like a sonata
like a Ritter with pommelled scrotum atra cura on the step
Botticelli from the fork down pestling the transmission
tires bleeding voiding zeep the highway

by fmk on Oct 20, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, what to say, what to say...

End of the season proper and I’m pretty done. I’ve held conversations / interactions / whateveryoucallthem with pretty much all the regulars, semiregulars and occasionals around the cafe this year and in 99.999% of those, you’ve all proven to be a blast to talk with. While I know I can’t contribute much in the way of rye flour to the large and crusty loaf of cycling Landbrot that PodiumCafe is, I hope that my little caraway seeds have helped to leaven the mood, and the few times I did venture into the territory of cycling commentary, I didn’t speak too far out my ass. I can’t wait to see what the offseason looks like around here. I’m thinking Overlook Hotel in The Shining.

Two quick items…

#1: The first interaction I ever had with Drew on this site, involved King of Doping saying something about posing for a Podium Cafe calendar. The interaction is maintained for all posterity here. I was unfamiliar with the movie Anchor Man at the time so when Drew responded with “Not to toot my own horn, but I’m kind of a big deal around here”, my first thought was “My god, what a colossally arrogant prick!”. Strange to think that I know realize that Drew essentially grew up in a mirror image of my family.

#2: Thank you Chris for taking the time and effort to: maintain the site, pay the money to host the site, take the time to post stories, manage the VDS scoring, keep us kids in line, take the lid of the sandbox, provide me with Sumo Wrestling information. This is a great and good place you’ve created on the internet and you should be justifiably proud. Thanks again… and perhaps you might consider letting us know of an email address linked to a paypal account so that those of us with a 5 or 10 spot to voluntarily contribute to the effort can do so.

Phone’s ringing Dude…

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 20, 2008 2:43 PM EDT reply actions  

$$

I only solicit donations to the VDS kitty, for the simple reason that… um, I don’t foot the bill for site operations. That would be SportsBlogsNation, my very, very cool host/overseers. I know it seems like I donate a lot of time to the site, but thanks to SBN handing me the keys to a great car, with a permanently full tank, there’s really no reason not to keep blogging. Well, unless I get tired of the sound of my own voice. Don’t hold your breath on that one though.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 20, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well...

… that doesn’t change the fact that Drew is a colossally arrogant prick, right?

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 20, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Lemme check.

Ah…… nope.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 20, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's not bragging

if you can back it up :-)

Milk was a bad idea………….

"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."

by Drew Davis on Oct 21, 2008 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

The PodiumCafe team...

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 21, 2008 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey...

Just because your pic is in the hotitude threads doesn’t mean you can call Drew a colossally arrogant prick there Mr.

Oh… and dear… have you hooked up your awesome printer yet to print a particular picture of a shot of yours yet? LOL.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 20, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

That Gavia..

So up on getting our office stuff fixed up so quick like. :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 22, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

That particularly pesky printer...

… has screwed up electronics in a pair of the ink tanks and I need to replace them. Unfortunately, “Canon Photo Cyan” is unavailable anywhere in Los Angeles at the present time, much to my chagrin…

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Oct 21, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Damn cyan.

I still love the pic. And many others out there. There is something about the scenery sky shots. And we all know I love me some sunsets. :-) Do you have it in one file that I can send it to print?

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 22, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I've nothing original to add

The big charm of this place is the way the tone and emphasis changes depending on who turns up to start things going. Hats off to Chris for the efforts he has had to make at times to bring the subject back round to cycling. And to everyone else here for taking it so amusingly off-topic again.

by Monty. on Oct 20, 2008 5:08 PM EDT reply actions  

verklampt

okay where to start, oh yeah, Told you so Steph!

PodiumCafe is exactly that, a cafe where fans get together to discuss, argue over cycling in all its shapes and forms. And like any gathering of well yes friends, sometimes silliness ensues. It’s the only place that I’ve found a serious conversation about a race and strategy can be interjected with movie quotes, Benna photos and wonderful non-sequiturs which typically don’t detract from the original intent.

So thanks Chris and everyone for making this a place where everyone knows my name (ha!)

by lyne on Oct 20, 2008 5:15 PM EDT reply actions  

The only thing I know is

that everybody out there in PdC land are Cool Cats!

Thanks Chris and all for making this the best place to hang out on the web.

by Veloki on Oct 20, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

I Know That i love the ladies in this forum.

It’s great that we all enjoy so many aspects of cycling…

by CycleGirl on Oct 21, 2008 3:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Can't speak for all but I'm glad you're here!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 22, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

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