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Around SBN: Lance Berkman Could Have Torn ACL

Ronde van Vlaanderen ... LIVE (#2)

Farrar_and_cafe_tiny by Chris Fontecchio on in News

60 km to go, and the favorites just about all there. Carry on!

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Ha!
As the commentators mention: they've just finished the Het Volk. only 60 km to go

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:03 AM EDT reply actions  

hmm,
I wonder if they hand those out at the Vienna airport.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 9:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Quickstep keeping the hurt on
Barredo making sure recovery isn't easy on the flat smooth roads

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Good thing I jumped onto the 2nd thread
I'd be like \O/ now
"Only those who are in top condition can say that the Ronde is not hard. For everyone else, it's the Way of the Cross." -Andrea Tafi

by Drew on Apr 6, 2008 9:04 AM EDT reply actions  

And I'm back
Oh, thank god. Finally. I missed the Koppenberg.

Sometimes, I really, really, really hate C.tv

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Me too!
But just wait until the relaunch....!

And when you have an ethernet enabled TV, straight in to you TV.

by Cycling TV on Apr 6, 2008 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

...as a CTV subscriber
I thank god for eurosport coverage-- otherwise I wouldn't be seeing this incredible race.

by orangekick on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

For those of us who have joined late
which favorites are NOT in the lead group? who has crashed out?

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:05 AM EDT reply actions  

csc
rider having trouble

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 9:05 AM EDT reply actions  

The wet conditions
causing a puncture fest.

QS seems to be fairly immune to punctures in these races, though.

-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Berg Ter Stene
1.3km, 5% avg, 10% max

CSC puncture. johansen.

CSC aren't trying anything, just letting QS and occasionally Rabo run the show. I'd say that's not the tactic for them, but of course it's still fairly early.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:06 AM EDT reply actions  

This is F-ing Awesome!
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:06 AM EDT reply actions  

My weirdo relationship
I know c.tv's no good for me, but as soon as I get it to work, no matter how late, all is forgiven.

I remember watching Pedro Delgado climbing up an Alp on Wide World of Sports to cheesy keyboard music at my grandmother's house when I was around 14 (we could only pick up public television at our house). And then I didn't see cycling on television again until I happened on Giro coverage on OLN in 2001. And then my life completely changed.

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 9:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Hats off the CTV commentators
they do an excellent job of IDing the action quickly.

<still angry about how f&^&ing ridiculous actually getting logged into the stream is>

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:08 AM EDT reply actions  

So are we.
We were due to change to a great, easier, simpler, better system in Feb...but March Madness held it up. I mean basketball!

I can assure you that no ones feels worse...no confort for you, but we really, really do care.

by Cycling TV on Apr 6, 2008 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Attack!
Just as they go to commercial... let's see who that was.

Dunno... but it made the junction from G1 to G2. Big group together now.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:08 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

van Summeran
pacing Hoste back to the front group. The gap was about 30 seconds at last check. van Summeran will shred himself to get Hoste back into the action.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Howdy from Korea
New guy Brian here. FWIW I'm getting solid 500 kbs high quality video on UK Eurosport

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=1929371&ch=1929371&src=ukeurosport

by bFox on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions  

I watch Eurosport from TV,
and CTV from computer.
ES is ahead of streaming...

Freire has 11 secs.

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

and here I thought
you'd just predicted that crash, in the last thread . . .

And welcome, Brian!

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

Friere riding like its the WC
Quickstep seems intent on having other teams share the chase

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Oscar on the attack
in the tour of Flanders!
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Oscarito setting up Van der Flecha
and going out the front!  God, is this great racing, or what?  Freaking excellent!!!! 54k to go.  Is O/ up there, yet?

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Freire
causing a nervous moment.

The sun is out!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Hincapie chasing
Kroon helping out. Chase is a bit disjointed.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:10 AM EDT reply actions  

hink frisky
he's up with the little group taking up the chase. Freire has about 10"

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Hincapie solo
chase toward Freire.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:11 AM EDT reply actions  

George going across?
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Go George Go!
Looking strong and relaxed

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

oscar riding for Van Der Flecha?
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Lead group is splitting
Friere doing damage, everybody is really pounding the pedals

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

G2 only a 10 second gap
Although the head of the race is splintering to bits under pressure from Oscar.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder marking Quinziato
I believe Hinc is still up the road chasing Friere

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions  

ballan
just rides away?
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Ballan
blows by Devolder like he was standing still.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Alessandro!!!!
making flouro pink look manly

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Ballan slowing down now
He isn't interested in getting to the front right now

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions  

50km to go...
this race seems to be taking forever...

-- high level of difficulty.

by orangekick on Apr 6, 2008 9:15 AM EDT reply actions  

the Podium Cafe hive mind
is running ahead of my CTV feed. I get commentary before the event!

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:15 AM EDT reply actions  

reload if you dare
but it may just be your regional feed.  I was 2.5 minutes slow in the last couple of races.
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

Time Lag
The timelag varies..the satellite feed is about2 sec delay to real, the streaming is about 12sec after commentary is laid. Then it depends where you are...

by Cycling TV on Apr 6, 2008 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

where is curious George?
Is Hink with the group or is out in no mans land?
"Race radios in Cat 4?"

by gravel road on Apr 6, 2008 9:15 AM EDT reply actions  

\o/ back
Someone needs to go hard now

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Van der Flecha sitting in
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions  

missed shot
but is it possible that it's tyler?
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

Leffe gone
what should be next?

Hoegaarden
Oud Bruin
Bravic
Kriekbier

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions  

where'd you buy
the Bravic?  Specialty order?

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

H\o/ste rejoins
Oscarita has 30".

I'll go on record saying he's not going to win on a 55km solo escape.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:17 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions  

echelons
src="http://clip2net.com/clip/m0/1207487781-clip-36kb.jpg" >
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:17 AM EDT reply actions  

QS
driving the chase. 23 second gap. Setting up Flecha nicely.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Sounds like Bjarne
made a bad tire call. that's pretty freaking rare. He's detail focused to a fanatical degree

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Good for Rabo
they test whether QS are willing to run the race. QS say... well... dammit, OK.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Freire totally in control
bunny hop in the center drain dip
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Stijn hammering
No attack from him yet. Wow.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM EDT reply actions  

madskills
Freire hopping over obstacles!
"Race radios in Cat 4?"

by gravel road on Apr 6, 2008 9:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Pave is dry!
Devolder riding like a madman.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions  

G1, G2, G3...
stringing this thing out-- oh, the pain...!

by orangekick on Apr 6, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Gaps
11 from Freire to favorites group
23 from Freire to Ho/ste group (12 in between two groups)

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions  

I'm having a moment
thinking about the 30 some odd riders who just made the junction and then got shelled.

Ouch, but that's how its done.

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Freire--not pushing
considering getting caught
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Prediction:
Hoste will not get 2nd place this year. Or higher.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Hoste group
may finally get a chance to join front group, or not.
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Leberg
after the pave. almost 1km, 4.2% avg but with a 13.8% ramp. tarmac though.

Freire caught.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Hoste group
right behind. Probably general regrouping.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder in front,
basically all the big names still there
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder
rides away from the field! Hahaha. old habits are hard to break. Pointlessly setting a hot pace on the climb.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder gaps
Gilbert trying to close the gap

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Hushovd and Gilbert
looking well placed on teh Leberg.

Hard to tell who's feeling good and sandbagging and who is struggling to hang on

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Chav--slow leak?
Or wheels feeling heavy [grin]
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions  

Gilbert great face
on devolder like a tick on his ass
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions  

46km to go
...and Devolder grabs more camera time.

by orangekick on Apr 6, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions  

Hoste screwed
On the front himself trying to catch.

Langeveeld of Rabo joins Gilbert/Devolder

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions  

good news for Rabo
so many guys up front they can't tell who has bridged

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:24 AM EDT reply actions  

And Langeveld now joins Gilbert
and Devolder!  Man, this is great.  Time to open the 2nd Leffe Blonde...

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Hink, Kroon, and Flecha
are in the 2nd group chasing

Pozzato group 3rd on the road

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

3 come across
Hincappie Kroon, Flecha
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

3 riders bridging
Langeveld not working

Hinc and Kroon and a Rabo (Flecha) coming

Pippo also chasing

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Gilbert...
Not buying this. 46km?

We're at the stage where the leaders typically aren't ready to work, but where it's late enough for a lot of others to start losing patience.

Hink goes with Flecha. Pozzato goes too. Hmmm....

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Kroon, Flecha, Hincapie
coming across the small gap.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Rabo all over this one now
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

No mentions of Tony, anyone
see him in the chasing Boonen group?  Gosh, if Flecha could do this one, I'm in raptures just thinking about it!

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Started to croon about mt VDS team
but decided not to jinx myself. Did I just jinx myself?

by Cyclingrush on Apr 6, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

They link up!
This could be a decisive move.

Flecha
Hincapie
Devolder
Kroon
Langeveld
Gilbert

-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

2 Rabo in front
6 riders may start working harder

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Shit, man
This is kinda scary right now.

We have Hink, Devolder, Gilbert, Kroon, Flecha, and another Rabo in the front group. Could be dangerous for the "favorites"

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Current Break is...
Devolder, Gilbert, Langevelde, Hink, kroon, flecha, spilak(sp), neuyens...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions  

9 guys away
devolder
gilbert
langeveld
Hink
Spilak
Quinziato
Nuyens

Up the Berendries.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions  

leaders
Langeveld, devolder, gilbert, hincapie, kroon, flecha, schpilack, nuyens, quinziato

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow
Spilak, Nuyens, and Quinziato link up.

Cance follows Boonen, who has to go solo now!

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

tom hanks
DZ has nicknamed Pozzato as tom hanks in his diary entry...
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Tom Hanks?
Pozzatto?  What's that about?

Where is this page of DZ's you mention?

by NE Observer on Apr 6, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

DZ's site
I can't really answer what the name came from but Dave is generally good for some laughs.  I love his humor.  

http://davezabriskie.com/

Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Boonen
and cancellara try to bridge across to the big move of the day. Ballan follows.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

2nd group
 Bareedo boonen eisel, cancellara

BOONen GOES

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Cancellara in trouble
Vaitkus following Ballan and Boonen

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

BOONEN
Powers up! And Ballan joins him! Where's Cance? He's cracking! An Astana there too.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Cance cracks
boonen starts to make people bleed

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Boonen comes across!
Wow huge effort. Langeveld off the front.

Rabo has the hot hand today so far!

-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Boonen bridges
makes Ballan and Cancelara suffer

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Cance still has eyes on Boonen
4 or 10 bike lengths, can't tell
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Slipstream anywhere?
You think they're just trying to stay out of trouble and wait for Roubaix?

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:29 AM EDT reply actions  

hoping so
haven't seen anything come through twitter from them - odd.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

Last hour of racing coming up
"Only those who are in top condition can say that the Ronde is not hard. For everyone else, it's the Way of the Cross." -Andrea Tafi

by Drew on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

41k to go, Langeveld out front,
Erik Dekker is DS-ing Rabo today.  And Devolder leading the chasing group, Tony and Boonen right there.  Wow, they are all over the place!

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Langeveld still going
Devolder pulling a lot of everyone else
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder grinta grinta grinta
the workers in the break trying to put the hurt on the chasers. This looks like the move

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Quinziato Punctures
Motoescapism says Damn!
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Pippo fighting the cross the gap
Quinziato punctured as Pippo passes him. Ouch.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Pippo
just about to bridge.... just about.... just about.....
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Liquigas heartache
Quinziato punctures as Pippo bridges

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Valkenberg
Coming soon, maybe 4km.

540 meters
8% avg
12.8% max.

And a place to launch a win.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Pippo
makes it to the back just as Devolder attacks!
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Pippo is back
Stijn is attacking now.

CSC trying to catch Devo/Langeveld

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Kroon, Langeveld, Devolder
off the front. Langeveld drills it. Hincapie joins!
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Hinc catches them
Ballan riding across the gap, too

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Pippo joins the leaders
Langeveld takes three guys with him, including Hincapie and Ballan chasing hard to join.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Ballan FLIES
across the gap. Chase is several seconds behind already,
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

No Tom B
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Nuyens chasing
Cofidis and Pippo are just about the only ones in the 2nd group who can reasonably chase

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

*BIG GAP*
where the hell is Boonen?

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Holy shit
This is a big move! They've given up maybe 20"

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

sun
looks soooooo good
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Sun is out
the lead group strips down, literally removing extra clothes.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:34 AM EDT reply actions  

18" gap
Oh wow. The Ho/ste group has caught up now. Finally.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:34 AM EDT reply actions  

38k to go, bright sunshine!
Quinziato catches up with the chasing group.

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:34 AM EDT reply actions  

good mix of teams
in the first group.

Devolder stupidly rides away from the group.

-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Anyone got any CTV problems?
If all okay now i am going to watch some racing?

This is George's best chance for a classic, he looks strong. Go Hincapie...

by Cycling TV on Apr 6, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions  

thx for the attention
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

has
worked fine here the whole day!
Thanks!

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

G2 grows and slows
18" now.

All or nothing move by hincapie. Here comes the Valkenberg. Devolder in the lead.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Of the leaders
one has to wonder if Stijn and Kroon are working for themselves or for Cance and Tomeke

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Abt 12
in the glass.  Anyone else?

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 9:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Cofidis have to chase
That's not Ballan is it? Behind Devolder?

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo is riding hard at the front
When is he gonna crack? I mean, he's working harder than the rest of his group, for sure.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Good job QSI
This is an important stretch of the race for Boonen to be holding the cards.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Bavic for the chase
I'll save the Oud Bruin for the Muur

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:38 AM EDT reply actions  

If Devolder saved
any bit of energy, he'd be a winning machine.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:38 AM EDT reply actions  

What a 1st time!!!
First time reading, writing, and WATCHING!  This is soooooo cool!  What a GREAT Race!!!
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Last year
I didn't see Ballan or Hoste before the muur.

This year, none of the favorites have had much of a chance to hide.

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

During the break...
Let me just say that I've had beer in the morning... I've drank beer all night until it WAS morning... but I've never woken up at 3AM to watch a bike race, eat fries with mayo, and drink 20 proof beer.

This is shaping up to be a damn good day!

============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Tenbosse
coming soon:

455 meters
6.4% avg
8.7% max
no cobbles

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Ballan is a fantastic
descender. Remember this from last year with Ballan and Hoste in full flight.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

From CN:
Devolder, Langeveld, Kroon, Hincapie, Ballan
Flecha (Rabobank), Gilbert (FDJ), Boonen (Quick Step), Cancellara (CSC), Spilak, Nuyens, Chavanel (Cofidis), Pozzato at 0.25
34k to go

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Langeveld, Devolder, Kroobn
are sitting on, defense for their leaders.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:41 AM EDT reply actions  

I would willingly strangle...
everyone reading this post in order for Hincapie to win this.
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 9:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Good analysis Brian
About Devolder and Kroon sitting up once the gap hits 30". They're not in the break to stay away.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:42 AM EDT reply actions  

wonder what their jacket budget is
as they keep flying onto the verge
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Isn't it magic
How they they suddenly seem clean again.

by Monty. on Apr 6, 2008 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hincapie and Ballan
need to fly up the next climb and lose the passengers.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Except Langeveld
18" now. Damn.

Devolder is pulling a Cadel now.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions  

prediction:
we'll probably switch threads after the Eikenmolen, before the Muur.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions  

No fireworks
Gap is tiny. Anybody could come flying across, or the field could close the gap sans effort.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Hink
Would be nice to see. I don't think the break will succeed, but if he doesn't burn himself out he could be there in the end regardless.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Allan Davis is in there!
Go, Allan, go!

I'm rooting for him, that's for sure. He deserved to get a better team than Mitsubishi-Jartazi. That said, he is lucky because he won't be watched as carefully.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Good for Allan Davis (Mitsubishi)
being up there still, on the front of the chasing group, 21" back.  30k to go, four climbs left.

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions  

Yay for the small teams!
I'd like to see slippy and skill-shimano do well too.

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ballan pulls
21" gap. Seems like he's doing what Cancellara did last year, albeit with less of the actual pulling.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions  

something about Ballan's
Fluro pink w/ bloody gashes looks right

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions  

Cofidis and Leaky
doing all the work. 21 seconds/30 km to go.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:47 AM EDT reply actions  

That me too!
Its before 7 and I'm not fit to drive

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

For the record
Unibrow have completely missed this move. So in the VDS, we're taking up the chase.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

This community is just wonderful,
I've been hanging out here a long time, and this is the most active thread for any race I've ever seen!  So fun, what a great time I'm having!

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

This is not setting up
for GH. He might want to think about shutting this down. Only 20 seconds.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions  

yeah, move is too early
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's all over
Ballan refuses to take a turn. Gap is only 12 seconds.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Where are the big guns?
Boonen, Flecha, and espeically spartacus are not at the front

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Ok, so everything's working well so far
only 4 tries to get into cycling.tv, video is good, all is well until... the freakin' power goes out!!!

Whew! It was only gone for a few seconds, but would I be able to get back into cycling.tv?????

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

by Cyclingrush on Apr 6, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Maybe \\O/
shoudl start riding for Leakygas.
"Only those who are in top condition can say that the Ronde is not hard. For everyone else, it's the Way of the Cross." -Andrea Tafi

by Drew on Apr 6, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

caught
was a great effort though

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 9:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Its an evil tactic now
How to pace the chase to keep the leaders up front for as long as possible.

Defuses the counters but puts the hurt on the break.

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Eikenmolen
600 meters, 5.9% avg, 12.5% max. No pave.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder trying
to pull it out again, but he looks  pretty spent.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

The catch
and Devolder drills it. Not too sensible.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

I still have no best guess for the win
at this late stage.  this is GREAT
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

caught!
It's just around the next bend. Really.

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 9:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder
goes right away!

too late?

It's just around the next bend. Really.

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

26km to go...
...and Devolder attacks...???

by orangekick on Apr 6, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Possum!
Devolder moves out a bit. Langeveld still acting up.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder looking strong
Appears to be unleashed! Pippo climbing at the head of the chase group.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

Gilbert comes through
to chase down Devolder. High road follows.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions  

Come on guy
no more messing around. 25km, time for the big names to start racing. I guess they're waiting for the Muur.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions  

We gonna need a new thread before the Muur
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Hushovd is still there!
Fantastic. This is a novel sight.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

Notes from Slipstream -
Flanders 30 K to go: front break of five has 18" on chase of 40 that now includes Martijn Maaskant. 9 minutes ago
Flanders 50 km to go. Enduring rain, hail and snow, Maggy, Tyler and Martijn in front group. 27 minutes ago
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions  

SWITCH TO THIRD OPEN THREAD PLEASE!
Let's do this one last time, before the race explodes.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:56 AM EDT reply actions  

tell us when the new thread is up!
tombak, chavanel, hushovd in chasing group
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 9:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Quinziato is not riding for Pipo...
He's riding for Motoescapism!
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 9:57 AM EDT reply actions  

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