Vuelta a California: Stage 3... LIVE!

There's a long way to go, plus some minor climbing, so I'm guessing he'll be out on his own for a while. Given the loooong flat run-in, I can't think of any reason for the peloton to go at something besides their own pace.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 2:23 PM EST reply actions

BMC

winning the eyeballs race so far.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 2:24 PM EST reply actions

First KOM results:

1 Scott Nydam (BMC Racing Team)
2 Jonathan Sundt (Kelly Benefit Strategies / Medifast)
3 Jackson Stewart (BMC Racing Team)
4 Jens Voigt (Team CSC)
5 Alexandre Moos (BMC Racing Team)

Jens! also took points yesterday. Is Jens! changing the jersey that he's targeting?

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions

He's an animal...

he wants ALL the jerseys!! :-)

(Lovin' me some Jens! this week, have you seen the Velonews video interview of him?)

by Ruthann on Feb 19, 2008 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

I almost believed the skateboard bit

It wouldn't surprise me if he did ride a skateboard.

The Velonews-videos are actually a super way to catch up with yesterdays stage when you can't watch it live.

by Jens on Feb 19, 2008 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

best of all...

Best of all, you can see ME right at the end of the Bradley Wiggins interview when he rides off. I was standing right next to the camera guy during the interview, big yellow Ortlieb over my shoulder. :P

Ok, so there might be some better reasons to watch the VeloNews interviews. Also, their interview guy has improved a bit compared to last summer!

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

9 minutes

Frankie was saying that he expect's the lead to stretch out to 15 minutes before the peloton increase the pace.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 2:30 PM EST reply actions

well, it's

nice to see LeMond Bikes in the peloton -- apparently the Kelly Team is using Trek TT bikes under the LeMond badge.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 2:41 PM EST reply actions

Current situation (from CN)

Scott Nydam (BMC)
Johnny Sundt (Kelly Benefit Strategies) at 6.20

* Peloton at 12.05

http://live.cyclingnews.com/?id=latest

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions

Is it still raining?

(Sorry, I'm at work and cannot log into any video at this point in time...)

by Ruthann on Feb 19, 2008 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

it's on/off

depending on which camera they shoot from.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

Stopped raining

and the roads are slowly getting dry.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

Nydam now at 15'

And Johnny Sundt at 8', also alone. Peloton will have its work cut out, though we say that every time.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 3:10 PM EST reply actions

I had to bail on Frankie's inane ramblings

I'm braving the pitfalls of c.tv to hear the bono vox of wee Brian...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 3:11 PM EST reply actions

we're NOT going to

start this Frankie bashing again are we...?

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

no, not me...

just saying...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

really? Brian?

We fired up the "as recorded live" coverage of the prologue on c.tv on Sunday night; Martin & Brian had a few minutes of intro, then they dumped over to Frankie & co, barf.

So is Brian Smith really covering it on cycling.tv? Really really?

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

yup

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

i wonder if I can watch tour tracker

and listen to c.tv?

here goes...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions

I tried it

and found that c.tv was lagging intolerably (even at 256kbs). Probably because of the bandwidth hog that the tour tracker is.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

ctv and tt

are showing different cameras... (i think)

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 3:28 PM EST reply actions

Brian's calling for JJ again today

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 3:29 PM EST reply actions

This course is really hilly

I think it's a harder day than it looks on the parcours.

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 3:39 PM EST reply actions

11"10'

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 3:41 PM EST reply actions

USA

I do enjoy the racing in the US -- last spring/summer Astana ruined the races with their shenanigans -- summer/fall it was Rabobanks turn -- I was pretty much sick of racing by the time the Vuelta started, despite buying the race from CTV. I never did follow the race to its entirety.

That said, my love for the sport returned in Missouri.

Cycling in the USA is awesome despite the so-called "level of competition" -- nevertheless it was a breath of fresh air from the Euro scene.

So hearing Frankie calling this race-- still music to my ears.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 3:43 PM EST reply actions

I have no problem w/ Frankie either

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 3:45 PM EST reply actions

Frankie's fine

but I think Brian and Anthony are much more informative. Different audiences, I think.

by Sui Juris on Feb 19, 2008 3:51 PM EST reply actions

I think

it's because they call the race in a more laid back manner -- not quite as laid back as golf, but the correct cadence for cycling should be dramatically slower than ice hockey.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

O'Grady & Boonen

chatting up. Race you to the next pole?

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 3:55 PM EST reply actions

Geologically speaking

Its so much fn to see a bike race through territory that you know how weird it is in the geologic sense. Just seeing the rocks and how screwed up hey are is fun.

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions

Geography confusion

Frankies co-commentator seem to think that Canada is further away than Europe. Whenever he gives the distances in km's he says "...for those watching in Europe and beyond".

oiy

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions

O'Grady

is CSC's designated worker be for this Tour.

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 4:00 PM EST reply actions

Going out on a limb...

Farrar goes for the intermediate sprints.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 4:01 PM EST reply actions

Frankie observation

I saw him walking around yesterday after Stage 1. He was talking to Jim Ochowicz. Called him "coach". Frankie is surprisingly tall, like 6'4". I can't get the video to work so I'm just going to throw in my random comments...

by Jimbo... on Feb 19, 2008 4:05 PM EST reply actions

maybe he needs help

pronouncing Ochowicz

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

Yep

I also saw Anthony from Cycling TV. I kept yelling "Hey Martin" at him to get him to turn around, but he just ignored me. And I wasn't trying to be a jerk, I just got confused.

by Jimbo... on Feb 19, 2008 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

Solo breaks

The solo breaks don't do much to animate this race. It would be nice to see a bigger group try to get away, that would make for some more tense action.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:06 PM EST reply actions

Finish

starting to rain at the finish line

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 4:08 PM EST reply actions

they were saying

that Jonathan Sundt was just absorb by the peloton.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:10 PM EST reply actions

Current situation (from CN)

* Scott Nydam (BMC)
* Peloton at 9.50

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:11 PM EST reply actions

Intimidating is too strong a word but...

I think the peloton is seriously respecting the added hills for this year's Tour what with it being so early in the season. None of the GC guys wants the be left behind tomorrow. It makes for a quiet race today but tomorrow will be interesting... hopefully.

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 4:14 PM EST reply actions

The road looks dry

Though that one corner looked a bit slippy when Nydam went through a few minutes ago.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:17 PM EST reply actions

Looks like a club ride

if Boonen is in your club.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:20 PM EST reply actions

I'm admiring that

QS kit more and more.

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 4:21 PM EST up reply actions

me too

I think I prefer the 2007 CSC kit, though.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

yup

I'm rethinking my earlier comments about the CSC kit this year.

Sprint!!!!!!!!!!

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

High Road

turns up the gas.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:23 PM EST reply actions

Picking up the pace

For the sprint

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 4:23 PM EST reply actions

Ciolek takes the

intermediate sprint for High Road. Freddy was there, Millar had his nose in the action, too.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:25 PM EST reply actions

Now Brian is saying "Bonafication"

Where did they get that word? Not in Websters...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 4:26 PM EST reply actions

What does it mean?

Sounds like something we'd say in middle school, "after he popped the viagra, he had some serious bonafication".

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:28 PM EST reply actions

See...

you can't get this kind of commentary from the usual sources. That's the beauty of not having ads.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

very true

not much chance for innovation when sticking too closely to the rules.

I'd be making up a new word a day if I had to talk for five hours.

And they ought to say "Hi-Ay-Doooo" like Ed McMahon did for Johnny Carson.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

i heard it as "bonu"fication...

i.e., bonus points for sprints

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

That's not in Webster's either

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

i'll bet it's in the official

Roget Bobke's Thesaurus

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

the pace is rising, now

The front of the field is a long thin line. Can't see who is doing the work, yet.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:29 PM EST reply actions

How far to go?

I have to hog bandwith very selectively today.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 4:30 PM EST reply actions

about 70km

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

about 44 miles

Chris,

Tour tracker site shows a bit over 44 miles to go as I write this.

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

Peloton at 12.45

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:34 PM EST reply actions

I'm going to go for a trail run

If I miss anything, write it down here...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 4:38 PM EST reply actions

Farrar at next intermediate sprint?

There's another intermediate sprint yet to go, right? Does CSC care if Farrar picks up one more second? Or maybe they're happy to not defend on Wednesday, when Fabian will likley lose it regardless?

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Cool thanks

So we're looking at a 3:00-3:15 finish.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Does it strike anyone else as just a little odd

to have Tour Tracker going on about the growth in US cycling, Tour de France recognition in the US, bike riding in Austin, TX, and cancer survival without any mention of ....

I guess Frankie can't bring himself to utter the words.

They had on someone called Todd, introduced as a cycling commentator, who did not know who Anthony McCrossan was!

by NE Observer on Feb 19, 2008 4:42 PM EST reply actions

He Who Must Not Be Named...

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

haha

I almost wrote that myself.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

oooh good point!

Yeah, I guess there is a point here: I always threaten to call out how many times Phil/Paul/Bob mention Lance or TdF when we're watching Versus coverage of virtually any race besides TdF... argh!!!

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

Frankie has probably figured out

that if you've got nothing nice to say, it's best to say nothing at all... especially when you've got a large, captive audience.

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

looks like Flanders

with all the crops and the rain.

bonification - it's a french word. they use it to refer to the time bonuses. European commentators say it all the time. Makes winning a bonus sprint sound like achieving some kind of sainthood.

yum, rain drops

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 4:43 PM EST reply actions

CSC, QS

starting to drive.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 4:45 PM EST reply actions

Podiumcafe gets a zing from ctv

nice

by angst on Feb 19, 2008 4:48 PM EST reply actions

How so?

Good old Cycling.TV

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

Davis & bikes

In case folks don't know, Davis is totally flat and is home to the University of California, Davis. Bikes-bikes-bikes everywhere! ISTR there are bike "traffic cops" on campus to help direct bike traffic between classes.

"Freshman stripe" is what they call that line up the back of first year students the first time they ride in the rain on a fenderless bike. ;)

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 4:49 PM EST reply actions

is there a consensus here at the Cafe

about whether forking out the $99 for the gold north american CyclingTV package is worth it? i've been paying for everything they've had available over the years, but with new alternatives popping up all over the internet, i'm wondering if CTV is still the best route to take. i'm leaning towards yes.

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 4:51 PM EST reply actions

I'm pissed

Because I bought the Premium already, and I don't think they're going to give me any sort of rate off for the full package if I buy it.

I just am not sure if it's worth $99 or not, especially after already spending $50.

by BDBrian on Feb 19, 2008 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

precisely why i'm asking,

my subscription expires next week, and the premium doesn't include the Giro or the Vuelta, which will have to be purchased separately.

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Giro has always been separate...

Giro has always been separate... I, too, am curious about "upgrade" costs, or if I have to blow my already-paid-for premium subscription.

Guess I have to break down and actually ASK them. :)

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

If pushed

I guess I'd go with yes... if you have a PC. With a Mac, maybe not. For all the problems people have, a number of us have been lucky enough to have Cycling.TV work without a hitch. If that's you, then having all those races coming at you at that bitrate, which you can run thru the Teevee... pretty nice.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

watching @ 1200 kbps

is awesome. I am looking forward to the Giro this year.

They try hard to keep people away, though. It took me a while today to remember how to sign in.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:05 PM EST up reply actions

CN is reporting

Peloton at 15.00

58km to go

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:51 PM EST reply actions

slippies!

Hairy lip boys at the front!!

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 4:55 PM EST reply actions

still dry

road are nice, dry, wide-- and they are flying in single file.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:55 PM EST reply actions

a death march

* Scott Nydam (BMC)
* Peloton at 15.00

still being reported with this huge gap.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

Farrar

takes the sprint (for second) to jump into the gold jersey.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 4:58 PM EST reply actions

Now that Farrar is virtual leader

It looks liek CSC has said, "alright slipstream, bring back the break...suckers"

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:01 PM EST reply actions

LOL

Yep, that's bike racing.

And B Riis is pretty cagey when it comes to deciding when to chase and when to sit.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Yay!

Awesome for Farrar and the Slippy kids!

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:02 PM EST reply actions

For whom the bottles toll

Naydam loads up with bottles. Maybe he'll have time for a nap before the field catches up.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:08 PM EST reply actions

The Orange Felt

frame is much more eye catching than the blue.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:12 PM EST reply actions

Points comp

Ciolek has taken the virtual green jersey on the road. 3 and 1 points on the sprints puts him one point ahead of Haedo.

Current points:

Ciolek 16
Haedo 15
Steward 15
Farrar 13

Looks like the big teams actually care about the 'other' jerseys.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:12 PM EST reply actions

so flat...

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:12 PM EST reply actions

Tour of America

multiply this stage by 20.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

ugh

yep, i've driven across twice. No interest in riding or watching other people ride across Nebraska. Or Oklahoma. Nothing against those places, of course, but not for the bike racing, please?!

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:22 PM EST up reply actions

OK but

what if you could have the stage finish at halftime of the Oklahoma-Nebraska game? Right on the midfield stripe? Now that would be cool. You have to think big Gavia.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

eh?

What is this midfield stripe you speak of?

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

with the American Gladiators as cheerleaders!

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

the gap

fell from 15km to just 5km -- he must of stopped for a pee break or he's totally bonked.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:16 PM EST reply actions

yup

Yup, cyclingnews says that he peed.

(Wow, kind of bizarre that it's breaking news that somebody peed, but there ya go.)

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

I'm sure if the entire

womens squad stopped for a pee-- that should make the news, but this isn't worth talking about.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

generally happens

In the longer womens races, there's usually a pee break.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:23 PM EST up reply actions

wants to get caught

He's stalling so he gets caught sooner. Next, he'll probably fake a mechanical ;-)

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

the field shuts off

the chase as soon as the gap drops. He might need to turn around and ride back up the course.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:23 PM EST up reply actions

that's the problem, eh?

rough being a solo breakaway. props to bmc for doing it two days running.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

5.30 lead

for Nydam, despite some seriously piano-looking action in the peloton.

Tony Montana is out of the leader's jersey? Actually, it's scary to think of what he's planning to do to the field in the Solvang ITT... if he can survive tomorrow.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 5:24 PM EST reply actions

Tony out of leaders jersey

unless he pulls a stage 3 Tour de france move. Which would pretty much make my day...just for the record.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

Ooooooo!

That would be just the coolest EVAH!

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

QS picks up the pace

finally. Maybe someone will try to get away. Yay! racing.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:25 PM EST reply actions

what does tachyon do, anyway?

other than sponsor most aggressive rider

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:26 PM EST reply actions

satellite internet

Hey! That's my line of work, too.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

tha's cool.

always wonder 'bout such things

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

Sell insurance

to victims of Herbalife products.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

what about herbalife

Male enhancement products?

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

they could

change the shape of their aero helmets.

at the risk of being called a dickhead.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:32 PM EST up reply actions

Big Teams

Don't want to catch the break too soon. Why give the small teams extra chances?

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 5:27 PM EST reply actions

can i play slam the team kit game again?

the bmc thing. what's with?

do they have any sponsors?

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:32 PM EST reply actions

please do

Any plain old club jersey looks better than that. Except High Road.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

just looks so fredly

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

HighRoad

logo. It looks like a candy bar logo. A watchamacallit.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

who thinks of this stuff?

did stapleton draw that shit himself?

looks like a bad bad surf logo from 1975

nice one, bob

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

+1

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

Looks like

Plain assos with some iron-ons to me

Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.

by CannonDowell on Feb 19, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

BMC

is the sponsor-- but I'm thinking if the kit is ugly enough maybe they think someone will step and add color.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

Why not some red?

That would pop.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

they could

go orange-- no one else in the US is that color.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

they were red

i liked last year's kit. all red, very stylie.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Last year's BMC kit was sweet. I have a feeling that this year's model looks way better up close, but it's definitely not working on-camera.

by Curt. on Feb 19, 2008 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

Ironic

seeing that they have gotten more camera time than all the other teams combined.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:43 PM EST up reply actions

How bout home and away jerseys

Mix it up a bit, ya know for fun. Maybe a throwback?

Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.

by CannonDowell on Feb 19, 2008 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Rock Racing with Cipo

will probably set the pace when it comes to kit designs -- I suspect BMC with a couple of big wins will find their mojo and get creative too.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

at least they get to wear Assos

could be worse - could be plain kit from like some super lowbrow clothing maker

yum, rr tracks in the rain

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

like I was

saying ealier-- the equipment including the clothing is top of the line.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

maximal

bottle carrying capacity.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

The finishing circuits

could be scary with wet pavement.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:34 PM EST reply actions

and the catch is nigh

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:37 PM EST reply actions

b riis

b riis seems to have reconsidered the no worky pledge

some csc's on the front with the quickies

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:38 PM EST reply actions

Let's hope

they painted the finish line a few days ago.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:39 PM EST reply actions

Looks they are gonna force him off the road

Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.

by CannonDowell on Feb 19, 2008 5:40 PM EST reply actions

No love from the pursuit

Not even a tap on the shoulder. Well, I say, "good job" after a long break like that.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:41 PM EST reply actions

love the beegs guys at the back

all bundled up

it's gotta be warmer than France, but not by much

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:41 PM EST reply actions

Voeckler is riding

in the caboose.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:42 PM EST reply actions

ack

close up of the high road kit

avert your eyes, kids, avert your eyes

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:42 PM EST reply actions

I think they chose

that jersey design after a few drinks.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions

more like

after dropping acid

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:47 PM EST up reply actions

Finish line

Pouring at the finish line. Gonna be fun.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions

yikes

i have a feeling someone is going to be sorry

here's hoping they stay up

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions

what, about 20 km to go?

mass pee break

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions

there goes a beeq

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:47 PM EST reply actions

a breakaway

could work in the rain.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:47 PM EST reply actions

Bweeg attacks!

I guess they resented our comments

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:48 PM EST reply actions

Me likes that Time Machine

Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.

by CannonDowell on Feb 19, 2008 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

Someone on CSC

has a waistline like mine. And that's not a compliment. Between that and some of the club kits, it's not clear exactly what I'm watching.

Should be an explosive finish!

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 5:48 PM EST reply actions

maybe he's got his jacket in his jersey ;-)

but yes, the ugly kits are looking so not pro

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

Go Bweeg, go!

still looks like Belgium

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:49 PM EST reply actions

What'd I miss...?

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 5:49 PM EST reply actions

20ish km to finish

Bweeg rider took a flyer.

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

lots of baggin' on the team kits

and a little bit of bike racing

Just under 20 km to go, a bweeg off the front solo, gruppo compacto

rain at the finish

just 'bout sums it up,eh?

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions

bweeg! bweeg! bweeg!

a small group needs to form on the circuit. That would rule.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions

What...?

shouting "bweeg! bweeg! bweeg! bweeg!"

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

csc on the front

don't think the bweeg will get much

isn't there a short cobbled bit in the finishing circuit? or did i dream that?

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:52 PM EST reply actions

WTF...!

what a slow change.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 5:53 PM EST reply actions

baggin' on the team kits...?

I love baggin' on the team kits... 2008 appears to be an all time low for kit design... QS aside.

Anyone find out what bonification means...? My guess is its French... see what running does for clearing my mind...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 5:53 PM EST reply actions

scroll up, young man

yes, it's french

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

Ooops

Bweeg flyer gets a flat

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 5:53 PM EST reply actions

The Tour Tracker GPS chart

still shows Nydam way ahead of Cancellara. So much for them.

Also, what is with "Robert W. Julich"?

by NE Observer on Feb 19, 2008 5:53 PM EST reply actions

Oh. It's a backup

GPS system.

Yesterday didn't work. Today on backup. Not doing so well, are they.

by NE Observer on Feb 19, 2008 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

those pesky "official" names

... like "Hendricus Vogels" on Toyota-United

by guidemd on Feb 19, 2008 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

Hendricus

So awesome.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

slow ass change

that's pathetic. Did he replace the tube on that wheel?

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:54 PM EST reply actions

d'oh

poor bweeg that so does not rock the casbah

nice rain stripe on the shorts too. so hot.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:54 PM EST reply actions

The field let him go away

again. Somebody should bridge up there since it is raining, it's possible they could stay away.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:55 PM EST reply actions

It's California. Can we please not litter?

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 5:56 PM EST reply actions

BMC ridin' clean!

Jackson Stewart SO put his empty gel wrapper back in his jersey pocket yesterday. And them things is STICKY!!

Mad props.

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

The rider do mark their turf

by Punctured on Feb 19, 2008 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

Playing into the big boy's hands

CSC, HR, QS all have to be lovin' this Bweeg effort.

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 5:58 PM EST reply actions

not the cleanest corner ever

out of that lead CSC

easy tiger, don't be laying it out in the rainy rain

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 5:58 PM EST reply actions

amazing

only solo breaks, you think the BMC's and healthnets would try to get up there.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 5:59 PM EST reply actions

the pace

must be higher than we think.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

early season

probably playin' it a little conservative since it's the early season. want to make sure they can finish this thingy

nice bridge just then

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

fo' real...

if i didn't have a sprinter i'd be yellin' for someone to get up there

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

'net

HN was all over the breaks last year. maybe they're waiting until after the climbing manana?

yum, wet bricks

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:00 PM EST reply actions

Finsih cicuit

how many laps?

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 6:02 PM EST reply actions

Got it

3.5

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

are there bridges like that in Milan?

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:02 PM EST reply actions

12 km to go?

lots of peeps

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:03 PM EST reply actions

maybe bweeg catch

sets up a nice counter opportunity.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:03 PM EST reply actions

Nope

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

bye-bye bweeg

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:03 PM EST reply actions

someone is going to turf it

today

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:03 PM EST reply actions

shh!

Don't jinx it!!

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

I know it's too early season but

wouldn't it be cool if some year they headed west from Sacramento for a day or two in the sierras.

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:04 PM EST reply actions

all about the sprintin'

nice wet pavement

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:04 PM EST reply actions

slow corners

Someone attack!

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:04 PM EST reply actions

looking sketch

that's why they get paid the big bucks

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:05 PM EST reply actions

6 corners in this circuit

wet pavement

-- Uh-oh

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:06 PM EST reply actions

yikes, lots of paint in that corner

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:06 PM EST reply actions

only cyclists know

how slippery white paint in the rain can be.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

I am not a fan

of the circuit finishes. Kind of strange after a long point-to-point race.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:06 PM EST reply actions

it's for the

fans.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

makes a good party

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:07 PM EST reply actions

Brian says...

JJ, Cavendish or Ciolek... no tommeke or oscar

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:07 PM EST reply actions

understood

just a bit of a let-down.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:08 PM EST reply actions

I guess it's about time to pick

them

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:08 PM EST reply actions

Haedo flats!

Bad timing, amigo

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:08 PM EST reply actions

ouch

jj out the back
maybe a crash?

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:08 PM EST reply actions

JJ flats

and tries to catch back on

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 6:09 PM EST reply actions

OK folks... picks?

I'll go with Cipo! He's a veteran.

OK, not. I'll say Bettini??

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:09 PM EST reply actions

Cavendish-- because

of his poor showing yesterday.

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

slippy flyer

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:10 PM EST reply actions

"Are CSC still driving the pace?"

Um, with their sprinter off the back? I'd love to sneak into the team dinner tonight if that happened.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:10 PM EST reply actions

I'll go with Ciolek

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

I'm going to go with...

One of the THR three

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Oh no

JJ getting a nice little lift from a car. That's not gonna look good, even if there may be an explanation (e.g. traffic)

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

yikes

when do the officials flag that.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

time penalty/fine

fine's worth the stage win

communique should make for entertaining reading after that one

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

I like a 1 km flyer

heck, I will go with Wiggins.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Ideal podium

Cipo being presented by Arnold

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx

by flying dog on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Haedo on the back?

Maybe, but still a long way to get into position.

4 miles to go!

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Dominguez!

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Yeah

the thinking person's pick?

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

bettini

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:12 PM EST reply actions

I don't see any CSCers helping JJ?

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:12 PM EST reply actions

Haedo got back on

I think, but he is at the end of the field

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:13 PM EST reply actions

I'll switch to Millar

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:13 PM EST reply actions

I'm with Anthony: Cavendish

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:14 PM EST reply actions

Rock at the front...!

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:14 PM EST reply actions

Yikes!!

That lefthander after the red kite is gonna be SOOOO twitchy on the last lap.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:14 PM EST reply actions

rock!

fred & cippo up!!!

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

no doubt

scary right there.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

no callin' it

shee-ite, what a race!

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

very selective at the front

beautiful...!

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

I'm changing my mind

Tom

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

i take back all my

understanding about the camera guys, from yesterday.

by Sui Juris on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

But who doesn't want Cipo?

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:15 PM EST reply actions

Haedo sighting

he's been able to get back in position.

Millar is right up there.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:16 PM EST reply actions

Haedo back?

If he wins today, Yo... respect. Hell, just for crawling back.

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:16 PM EST reply actions

OK Tony,

make your move!

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:16 PM EST reply actions

Oscar!

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx

by flying dog on Feb 19, 2008 6:16 PM EST reply actions

bell lap!

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:16 PM EST reply actions

mario still has fewer years than Giro wins

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:16 PM EST reply actions

I'm going for Thor, just to be different.

by Ruthann on Feb 19, 2008 6:17 PM EST reply actions

Lined out now

Is there a QSI train?

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:17 PM EST reply actions

Oh man, that corner is going to be scary

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:17 PM EST reply actions

High Road on the front,

about to hit 1km

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions

High road

is going to fry out there.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions

Here we go!

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions

wet finish, gotta go

with a heavier sprinter... Tom

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions

Here we go

1 km to go QS moving up

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:19 PM EST reply actions

Damn! I almiost looked smart there

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:19 PM EST reply actions

Cavendish??

He goes from way out, gets a HUUUGE gap... runs out of gas.

BOONEN!

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:19 PM EST reply actions

WOW!

Boonen!

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 6:19 PM EST reply actions

Wow

I need a replay....what just happened

by Hons on Feb 19, 2008 6:20 PM EST reply actions

great finish...!

by orangekick on Feb 19, 2008 6:20 PM EST reply actions

Whooo!

Boonen! Nice move by HighRoad, but Cavendish cracked.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:20 PM EST reply actions

Tom !

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:20 PM EST reply actions

wtf, Cav?

dude.

by Sui Juris on Feb 19, 2008 6:20 PM EST reply actions

What a weird sprint

Cavendish went very early, but the more veteran guys stuck to their plan coolly and swamped him at the line.

Boonen, Wrolich, Cipollini and Haedo follow, methinks.

Farrar may be the overall leader now!

by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 19, 2008 6:21 PM EST reply actions

Taken to school

Cavendish and High Road have a lot to learn

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 6:21 PM EST reply actions

youthful inexperience?

both Cavendish and Ciolek I think - Ciolek should have tried to stay on Cav's wheel instead of dropping back (I agree with the c.tv guys on that), and Cav should have kept going rather than looking back then getting overwhelmed...

by guidemd on Feb 19, 2008 6:24 PM EST up reply actions

Crazy

High Road totally blew that! Tommeke played it perfect, and freaking Mario in third!!! Did I just see Cippo take third?!?

Farrar should take the yellow jersey!

by Christopher on Feb 19, 2008 6:21 PM EST reply actions

Or...

to be more pithy--what Chris said.

by Christopher on Feb 19, 2008 6:22 PM EST reply actions

weird

Was Cav "leading out" Ciolek, and it fell apart?

wtf, was that cipo in 3rd?!?

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 6:23 PM EST reply actions

Tyler Farrar!

Mr. May is one happy guy!

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 6:23 PM EST reply actions

Boonen

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:23 PM EST reply actions

Super Mario 3rd... sweet!

by Scott. on Feb 19, 2008 6:23 PM EST reply actions

Somebody get Frankie...

...an abacus.

by Christopher on Feb 19, 2008 6:24 PM EST reply actions

Haussler

Showing some growth from last year

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 6:25 PM EST reply actions

long last km

at least for Cav it was. l'ouch.

lol, i picked boonen yesterday, and he wins today. go tommeke!

fun times!

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:27 PM EST reply actions

I think HighRoad had a plan

that didn't pan out. Cavendish did a fake lead out of Ciolek, who basically held off the field, but they went too soon. Timing is everything.

Or maybe, they just blew it!

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:28 PM EST reply actions

why would Cav look back?

if the plan was for a fake lead out, then you'd think Cavendish would then go all out and not ever look back ... I'm guessing he was surprised that Ciolek hadn't gone around him yet, that he thought he was still leading out Ciolek. Kind of like those powerful Steegmans leadouts of McEwen 2 Tours ago, where Steegmans seemed to power out of nowhere with Robbie in tow (but it looked kind of funny the time he went way too soon).

by guidemd on Feb 19, 2008 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

good point

I'll have to watch the replay again. It wasn't that far out--if he hadn't jumped quite so hard, maybe he could have held on.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:39 PM EST up reply actions

haussler or cipo third?

i thought it was haussler in third...

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:28 PM EST reply actions

i think it was HH 2nd

and a RR 3rd

Oh yeah... I picked Tommeke... :-)

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:29 PM EST reply actions

I made it...

Boonen, then somebody in a Gerolsteiner kit, then somebody in a TNT kit. I'm depending on Frankie and Steven Wright looking dude for the particulars 'cause I couldn't see the faces or numbers.

by Christopher on Feb 19, 2008 6:30 PM EST reply actions

Frankie giving Cipo mad props...

ok, Frankie ain't that bad...

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:31 PM EST reply actions

i thought

i saw:
tommeke
haussler
jj
cipo
maybe farrar in fifth or a high road

but it's hard to call from interweb feed

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:31 PM EST reply actions

But...

but he doesn't think Cippo will make the climbs tomorrow.

by Christopher on Feb 19, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions

where's our aerial finish line shot?

sprint replay, anyone?

that's some pretty fab riding from cipo right there

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions

again, the camera work

needs some polish, and the lead cars should pull off before the finish.

-K-

by KevinK on Feb 19, 2008 6:33 PM EST reply actions

Tom

then HH
then Cipo

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:33 PM EST reply actions

where'd you place jj?

he was in the funny looking green jersey. looked like he got a piece of that...

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:34 PM EST reply actions

Provisional from CN

Provisional results

1 Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
2 Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner)
3 Mario Cipollini (Rock Racing)

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

by ELVISGOAT on Feb 19, 2008 6:35 PM EST reply actions

htfu?

What? They might skip Hamilton if it's snowing? Awww, man..........

-Greg

by gregm on Feb 19, 2008 6:35 PM EST reply actions

I don't get Tour Tracker

The GPS froze, OK, the weather was bad (I assume that was the problem). But the play by play on the left side froze at the same time. While the rain-soaked pictures, thanks be, kept up.

Disappointments aside, it is great to be able to follow it in real time.

by NE Observer on Feb 19, 2008 6:36 PM EST reply actions

My overall experience was good on TT

much better than the ctv mess... I admit I don't even look at the highlight feed, just the video and the GPS.

by hughw on Feb 19, 2008 6:43 PM EST up reply actions

no real problems for me today on c.tv

though, I didn't start watching until the last 2 hours or so. And, I always seem to get a lot of breakup/buffering on the highest c.tv datarate so I usually go for 800.

The main problems (which Martin commented on several times) were things like rain on the camera lens, not-so-great angles, or cutting away to another camera just when they were getting to something interesting (eg. panning through the peloton, just getting toward the back where you might see if Haedo caught back on, but no - back to the front view again). All of which aren't c.tv's fault, more inexperience presumably compared to European cameramen.

by guidemd on Feb 19, 2008 6:53 PM EST up reply actions

i'd be very surprised

I'll be very surprised if the snow level is low enough to be a problem over Mt Hamilton. Should be chilly and rainy, but snow? Nah.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 6:40 PM EST reply actions

they should publish the results faster

I mean, even crappy races release a top-10 an hour after the race. Here there's only a top-3 for hours

Anyway, I love the race and the Tour Tracker. Great.

by King of Doping on Feb 19, 2008 6:45 PM EST reply actions

I thought

it was pretty strange seeing a guy with pencil and paper trying to figure out the finishorder in the intermediate sprint.
What's that all about? They've got those GPS trackers at every line connected to a computer, or don't they?

by DZI on Feb 19, 2008 6:55 PM EST up reply actions

maybe the paper is a backup?

I thought they were using electronic timing for this thingy. Maybe the guy with the pencil is the backup.

But really, the results totally lag at this race every year. I've been at total backwoods schmoe races with faster turnaround. A tad embarassing, really.

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

What we don't have any officials here

to lecture us about how hard it is? I have to stick to my home district listserv for that?

:)

~

I'm sure they all have timing chips (definitely not GPS - that wouldn't give you the resolution you need at the finish line), but even at the mat, I imagine it can require a lot of time looking at the high-speed camera, afterwards. I imagine the chips will give you a 10 foot range, but you can fit a lot of bikes within 10 feet . . .

by Sui Juris on Feb 19, 2008 7:37 PM EST up reply actions

High speed cameras

Here is what I saw at the finish of stage 1... They have three high speed cameras mounted on the Finish arch. One on either side up high near the top, maybe 15 feet up, and one on the announcers side about 7 feet up. There was a guy calibrating the system about an hour prior to the finish with a piece of paper with the number "17" on it. He stood on the finish line and moved the number past, like a bike rolling by, as fast as he could. I noticed him again right before the finish standing there holding two button thingys on wires, one in each hand, which I'm guessing are the triggers for the high speed? And the finish line is just a white roll of tarp with a black line painted on it that is taped to the street. It's nothing high-tech like the timing chip mats they have at marathons. I don't think they are useing that sort of tech at the ToC. But all the bikes have a white card attached, which looks like a magnetic access card, which is how the tour tracker works I believe. I noticed them on a lot of bikes.

by Jimbo... on Feb 19, 2008 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

That strikes me as a bit weird!

Why not fly in one guy with extensive knowlegde on timekeeping and registration? All the bigger ProTour and HC races are able to produce an accurate list through transponders on the bikes, so why don't they here?
Adobe is investing quite a lot in that (OK, doesn't seem to work very accurately) GPS system, obviously connected to a computer or two.
It should be fairly easy therefore to produce these results quicky. I think the organisers have some work to do yet, before that ProTour status is awarded, IMHO.

by DZI on Feb 19, 2008 8:08 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

European races have the results on the teevee screen as soon as they happen. Or damn close to it.

Someone needs to throw down to get the results all electronic. It sounds like they're doing it with finish cameras and then picking by hand. Gah. Freakin' ridiculous for a race of this level.

B'sides it's sorta silly to be doing results by hand in Cali. Didn't we like invent the internet or something?

by Jen See on Feb 19, 2008 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

Think that was a Swiss student

as a matter of fact?

Anyway, there should be some sort of standard, that's all I mean.
Hell, in many sports they us all sorts of options to check times, always a double system, sometimes a triple system, just to be sure everything is done correctly.

The Dutch like speedskating for instance, they use three systems at times, and that's not even a well funded sport like professional cycling...

by DZI on Feb 19, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

I was thinking

That that probably meets some kind of UCI or USA Cycling requirement left over from the days when they based the structural safety of bicycles exclusively on weight or something goofy like that.

by Christopher on Feb 19, 2008 7:07 PM EST reply actions

Need a paper trail

Can't have any hanging chads.

by ursula on Feb 19, 2008 7:45 PM EST up reply actions

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