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Around SBN: Dog Football! Which Breeds Are Best Suited For The Gridiron?

Ronde van Vlaanderen ... LIVE (#3)

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_tiny by Chris Fontecchio on in News

Your last thread. And a great finale in store...

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amazing to see Thor there
He had good form earlier in the season. It's been a while since he's figured in a finale of a cobbled classic.
-K-

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

Thor is looking very, very lean
this year.  22k to go, Devolder is 14" ahead of the chasing Chavenel group.

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Is Devo insane?
or is this a tactic to give Boonen someone to bridge to?

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

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

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

Even Brian is impressed
"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 9:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Thor smash
Maybe?

Tombak being in there is probably helpful for Davis. I wanna see Davis kick some ass here.

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

Did Big George...
....get shelled out of the "peloton?"

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply actions  

Chavanel
Can you say "Faustian bargain"?

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply actions  

Camera bikes
are snoozing in this race.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder is all in
But it's only a 12 second gap.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 9:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Bavic done, on to Oud Bruin
I'm going to pay for this...

but damn is it worth it!!

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 9:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Tombak
not too brilliant, Devlderian move there.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:00 AM EDT reply actions  

You can still see the keyboard?
"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 10:00 AM EDT reply actions  

well, if
he clears away the bottles, I'm sure he can.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

Devolder
riding for Boonen!?!?
It's just around the next bend. Really.

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 10:00 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

I hope!
It's just around the next bend. Really.

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions  

Muur-Kappelmuur!
475 meters
9% avg
19.8% max. Not a typo.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

Third chase group
about to reel in the second chase group.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

Good lord...
here we go, coming to Geraardsbergen.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:01 AM EDT reply actions  

I swear Devolder is my new hero...
He may be wasting himself to help Tommeke, or he may be wasting himself for a hopeless break... but to ride like that... after all he's been through... he's got stones man!
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions  

Lovely picture of Stijn
Hammering all out, earpiece dangling.

All hammer, no tactics

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

I say devolder is trying to do a chavanel
at least as a backup strategy, if Boonen doesn't bridge
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo is stupid strong
"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 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Gah!
How can you guys type and watch at the same time?

How can they advertise Cannondales right this seconed?

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

alcohol
it short-circuits the internal censor

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions  

coffee
a poop load of it!
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

Cannondales
Because it's the last 'lull' before the end...no more ads....this is the only spot....they're only 10 secs...

by Cycling TV on Apr 6, 2008 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

Boonen
Looks like a cat about to pounce on a mouse

by Jimbo... on Apr 6, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Muur will be the
important point in the race, per usual. Will Hincapie pay for his early attack? Boonen and Cancellara have been conservative.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Place your bets now:
Who is going to take home the prize?

My vote is for Boonen, what you you all?

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

man I'd hate to breathe all that moto smoke
on a climb, gasping, all the smoke-spewers come by
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

\o/ in good position...
at least that's what the commentators say
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Go stijn go!!!
doing the champions' jersey proud

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

FLECHA!
Attacks early in the climb... Still a long way to go.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

hoste
has my (grudging) respect

Flecha looking very good too

Cance not so good

--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Terpstra now
the only one to respond. Out comes another.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Milram dude will tell his grand-kids
about passing Boonen, Cance, Nuyens, et. al. on the Muur

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow
this is just fantastic!

by Veloki on Apr 6, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder onto the steep part
Slowing a little. He always pushes a big gear.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

this is something else
Champion's jersey never looked better. Although his form looks about like mine right now.

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

holy crap
what a serious break amongst the leaders
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha is RIGHT behind
out of the saddle. Nuyens. Boonen following. Ballan following. Cancellara in all sorts of hell.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha barely leading
Everyone chasing as hard as they can

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha
definitely looking better than Devo, at the moment.  Bye bye, Cance.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Slippie
rider should be martyn
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Vaitkus looking good
So is Terpstra. I mean, holy shit.

A Slipstream, Hincapie, and Gilbert chasing hard. Definitely some separation.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Quickstep looking awful smart now
tom can sit while everybody else has to chase

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder onto the road.
The gap must be tiny. Chase group is splintering a little. Flecha in his classic TT mode.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions  

No MD flag seen
Either the cameras missed it, or Demoncats was told what would happen to him if he blocked a bunch of local guys' view.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

I saw it
It sort of blended in with the lion flags (the yellow/black part), but I could see the red. part of it.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

Vaitkus
Working his ass off trying to chase.

17" is the gap

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap is 17 seconds
on the descent. Devolder asking for something from service bike.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder 17 sec 15 K
calling in service bike to chat
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Bosberg yet
Stijn has earned his money today.

Tomeke looking good.

Flecha good position, has to work but can avoid a sprint.

Everybody else still with a chance has to beat Boonen in a sprint

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

so what was
that service bike conversation about?

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Chasers...
17" back, Boonen, Ballan, Flecha, Nuyens. No CSC, though they're close back. Pippo not there either but is chasing.

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

Rast of Astana?
Whoa, surprising name for me. Where is Vaitkus?

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

Rast!
Nicely done. Ballan hits it hard. Boonen still holding the cards.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder still looks good
Banging away, 17 seconds. 13 km.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Tony
I still think he can win this. He's just not giving up.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Cancellara back on
Langeveld attacks the chase group.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap 23 secs
Can Devo pull it??

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Bosberg
1km, 5.8% avg, 11% max.

And the chase grows again. Langeveld goes!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Sorry Tony... I think this is going to be Tom's...
If justice has anything to do with it, Stijn cashes in on the winner's share...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Looking very good for Tommeke
Although at this point I'd love to see Stijn take it, or Nuyens.

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Tony is riding like Ullrich
Going hard out like an engine, not blowing up. The question is: Will this hurt him on the Bosburg?

Tombak and Klier are in there.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

It must be asked
Is Stijn Devolder going to steal this?

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder always mashes
a huge gear on these climbs.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions  

BOSBERG BOSBERG BOSBERG
Devolder still hammering away

Go Stijn GO!

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Bosberg
Looks like a 5 lane freeway compared to the other bergs

by Jimbo... on Apr 6, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

how
they push those big gears up the hill at this point in the day is something I can't fathom.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Anyone else on the US west coast
Surprised that the sun just showed up?
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo is gonna burn
He just can't make it. Langeveld is catching up, and Langeveld is being caught up to.

Sprint at the end? That would kinda suck.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions  

boonen
waiting too long? Or taking his chances on a bigger sprint?

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Boonen is gonna have to go
And on the flats, Cancellara is gonna be able to hammer harder than anyone else if he has the energy.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions  

Boonen looking good
everyone else has to chase Stijn, he's setting up for a sprint

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:15 AM EDT reply actions  

Cancellara
left to do the chasing. But he says, "I already won enough this year! You guys work."
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:15 AM EDT reply actions  

10 k's to go
gap 31 for peloton, 15 to the rabo rider

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo is gonna win this!
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Chase group
thoroughly screwing around. 31" down now.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Gaps
15 to Langeveld, 31 to the Tom/Tony group

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

10 k to go
Stijn suffering but leading

Go Devolder GO GO

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

I can't imagine how the Flandriens feel
seeing Stijn wearing the Belgian national colors leading the ronde home

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

I think Devo might just pull it out...
I'll get no VDS points, but my heart will glow...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Langeveld is a force
in this race today. But not doing much to close the gap to Stijn. Trying to use any draft he can find.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Go Stijn!
HE-RO-IC!

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Wittenkerke is a nice change of pace
but my apologies to the neighbors and my girlfriend if I start screaming at the finale. Its just after 7 am, I'm loopy and the race is coming to a sharp point!!!

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo is a hell of a TT'er.
How beautiful to see the Belgian champ out front, so strong!  8k to go, Gap to Langeveld 18" and gap to Boonen group 27".

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Chasing
Tombak, Rast, and Flecha

Where are Boonen and Cance? Where are you, Tony Spartacus?

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

chase group
sems to be finally working a little
It's just around the next bend. Really.

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Rabo rider caught.
Flecha there... 19 secs...

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

Chase group
Tombak, Rast and Flecha.

So wtf is boonen doing?

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

That's what I was thinking about Bettini
During last year's WC... never know...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

Flecha, Tomback, Rast
chase up to Langeveld, Nuyens comes across, Boonen follows. Cancellara, Pippo, GH in tow.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

2nd gap coming down
Langeveld getting caught by the Flecha group. Rast and Tombak still there.

These guys have to try to catch Devo.

Cofidis going, with Boonen suddenly chasing. Tony behind him.

19 seconds.

Hinc is still in there!?

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

coming down fast!
It's just around the next bend. Really.

by tshawytcha on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

BOONEN BRIDGING
GO TOM GO

(my quickstep bias is coming out)

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Boonen chaseing up
Cance on his wheel. 7km to go. Langeveld caught.

Just Devolder with 19" in hand, and the heads of state behind.

FLECHA!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Cancellara
trying to chase, Boonen immediately in tow.
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha goes
Go, Juan, go!

I don't even know if he's on my VDS or not.

Cance trying desperately to chase

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha keeps the pressure on
He has a respectible gap.

19 seconds, 5 km.

-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:22 AM EDT reply actions  

Stijn with 5K to go...
Flecha chasing
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:22 AM EDT reply actions  

5km
Holy... Devolder hanging tough!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions  

5k to go
12 seconds for Flecha. This is amazing by Flecha.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions  

Gaps
9 to Flecha

16 to the Tornado Tom group

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder using those skyhooks
he's in a zone, doesn't feel it

Flecha's mighty fast tho

--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions  

I hope
someone's told Stjin what's coming up behind him . . .

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo! Devo! Devo! Devo!
And that's not just the Chimay talkin'
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

4km 9 secs
Go STIJN GO! GO!

Flecha starting to look for Belgian camera bikes and Nico Mattan

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

14 to the Tom group
9 from Flecha to Devo. GO FLECHA!

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha in a world of hurt
pain pain pain

Belgians are loving this

Nuyens passing flecha

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Flecha looks done. That's sad.
Nuyens is working hard now. 13 seconds with 3 k to go.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Where is the camera on Devolder
This is a ride for the ages!!!!

Stijn has earned his place in Valhalla today

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Devi will win, gap 15 secs!
Heroic ride from Stijn!!!!!!!

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Gap is going out again
I think Devo is gonna get this unless he seriously bonks

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:26 AM EDT reply actions  

what a job
I even hope he holds off - he HAS earned this one.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

never thought I'd say this
but boonen or cance would be an anticlimax
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

2km to go
and I'm out of beer.

(regrets giving the Nostradamus to the girlfriend last night)

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

here
I've got extra Dogfish Head.  Domestic, but you won't know the difference at this point :)

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

That is beautiful
Well done!
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

Soloing
Spilak is chasing his heart out. Barredo and Cance just behind.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Spilak
trying to drill it back for Ballan.

Devolder coming up to 1km!!!

I think he has it!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Stijn at the red kite
Congratulations to Stijn!

He definitely is the strongest today.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Go stijn go!!!
Quickstep makes a nation happy

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

the kite
DEVO might hold on
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

DEVOLDEEEEER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FREAKING FANTASTIC!!!!!!

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Dude
don't look back. Just ride!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder 300m
Flecha and Nuyens pushing hard
-K-

by KevinK on Apr 6, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder
Fucking amazing!

Flecha and Nuyens racing hard for 2nd, but they're getting caught

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Sprint for 2nd.
Nuyens 2, Flecha 3.

Looks like a High Road/CSC in 4th, not Ballan.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Incredible!
Chapeau, Stijn!

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

WAHOOOOOOOOO!
HUGE DAY FOR QUICKSTEP, BELGIUM, AND ESPECIALLY DEVOLDER

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Devolder is my god for today...
... I don't have the expletives or the adjectives.
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Oh, the happiness!
Hugs and kisses for Stijn.  Magnificent!

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Also a note...
looks like Martyn from Slipstream held in that group. Wow.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Shit, man.
He's gonna help Maggie out a lot next week, don't you think?

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

I can't wait
I told Will I would give him a break but I might need to send an email after that job. Holy balls to him staying with it. Impressed!
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

Fucking amazing race.
1 week to go until the Hell of the North. I hope it's as exciting as this one.

by BDBrian on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Ok. Koppenberg, Jimbo, Crashdan, Ruthann
and the rest of you lushes, meet me for hill repeats in 30 minutes.  6 for each 750ml.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions  

I'm not as think as you...
Oh... wait a minute...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm suiting up!
But I need to change my kid's poopy diaper first so I might be a little late....

by Jimbo... on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, gosh, what a morning!
Clear the roads, tipsy riders comin' through!

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Devo
Come of age today!  He makes one of his attacks stick!

by ursula on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

1st & 3rd place for my team
Yippeeeeeeeeee! And I may have gotten 1 or 2 in the  top 10 also!

by Cyclingrush on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

WHo all had Devolder on their VDS team last year
and gave up for this year?  Ditto Chavanel?  
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

wonder how Bruyneel feels now...
This was one of the best races I've ever seen!
Thanks guys!!

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Abso-freakin'---lutley!!!!!!!
Although I suspect it was a foregone conclusion that he was going to a belgian team but still... Disco would have been the perfect team this year.

Frick...

Frack...

Pick your expletive.

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

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions  

I have no idea what Devo is saying...
But I think it's something like "I... I just... wtf... I ... it wasn't... I won? really??? i... I'm ...i..."
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow...
I've got a fair amount of French and Spanish, and a smattering of Italian and even a little German. But that doesn't help at all with this, does it?

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:33 AM EDT reply actions  

Awesome way to follow the race
Hey,

Just a quick tip o' the hat to all who made this even more exciting with the running commentary. I enjoyed it thoroughly, even without any Belgian (or other) beer.

Chapeau especially for new Brian in ROK, who pointed me to the Eurosport video feed.

--FeltGuy

by FeltGuy on Apr 6, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions  

yep
Eurosport was beautiful today.  A brief bit of panic when they said the were switching to moto champs, but all was good when they pointed out that the stream would continue.

Hey, CTV.  Take some lessons.  Stop promising, and start doing.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

Well there it is
Tactics... QS played theirs. For once, their guy up the road was a real threat, and it all worked out for them. Really, Devolder was just too strong for the competition, but would he have gotten away if guys like Cancellara, Ballan, etc. weren't all looking at Boonen? They're showing the replay now of his winning move, and literally the guys in front are looking back to see who's gonna chase. The answer: nobody.

Great teamwork today, and it helps to have two aces to play.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions  

which means they have fallen for the same trick
three times now.  How long until tactics change?
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

that's a nice
roll in moto shot of the win.

(And who knew Sean Kelly would have a career as a translator?)

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

If you're a Belgian
and you win Flanders wearing the champions jersey, your life is pretty much complete.
"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 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

saying something about blackberries?
Or what is a bosbessen, and what does it have to do with cycling?  Can't follow it at speed
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

blueberry
and still doesn't make sense.
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

All my cycling TV anger is forgotten
but fer crissakes, why does it have to be so hard to log in????

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Oh no... don't forget it...
Enjoy what you saw... but don't forget to express your unadulterated frustration, annoyance, embarrassment, contempt, outrage, etc... to them as I plan to do, at length with a big thesaurus at hand...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

not impressed
I know it was just one staffer here, but that noise about copyright issues really pissed me off.  If CTV was worth its subscription rate, it wouldn't have to care about that.  Get your own house in order before you start whining about others.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

5th for Hinc!
That's a couple of points for me, anyway.

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

Stijn
still can't believe it.

Oh good, no Unibrows in the top 10.

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions  

great ride by Devolder
but why doesn't Boonen sprint for fourth??? He is ruining my VDS team.

Too bad that Langeveld's moves didn't work

by King of Doping on Apr 6, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Would YOU do that ride????
in exchange for a life time supply of belgian beer?
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Anthony keeps saying this stuff...
...about solo breakaways. Somebody should do a nice chewy analytical diary about that at the end of the Spring.

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Boonen
only sprints for first.
"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 10:37 AM EDT reply actions  

If QS win
he doesn't care about his placing.

Are we over 1000 comments yet?

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

OK, kid duty
same time next week, and just about every day in between as well. Cheers all!

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 6, 2008 10:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Say what??!?!? Where's my VDS update??!?
are you really saying that family comes first??
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Apr 6, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Thanks, Chris!
And Cafe Community! And Cycling.TV for showing up and fixing my account midrace!

And Stijn Devolder for going all Homeric on us!

by Christopher on Apr 6, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Thank You Thank You Thank You
First time this in depth with all this and it just ROCKED!!!  Thank you all for being my new and now only home!!!
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. -Randy Pausch

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions  

On my desk in front of me I have...
Two empty bottles of Chimay... one glass still 2/3 full of beer... an empty container of mayo... an empty container of Heinz... and 3 forgotten frites in a bowl...

And... i'm... spent...

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

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:40 AM EDT reply actions  

please no additional updates
about the rest of the digestive process
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

lanterne rouge comes in
waving and cheering for himself [grin]
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Yep
thanks all.  Someone go move Koppenberg back to bed.  Or at least put a pillow under his head.

(Now I've actually got to go get ready for a crit sprint strategy clinic.  Really.  WTF was I thinking?)

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Hah
No sleep for me, I'm just happy I celebrated the last two KMs to the finish in silence.

an incredible race enjoyed with an incredible community.

I wonder if Chris, Van OP, Drew, Cylesdale et. al. imagined this day when then started Podium Cafe?

i just want to say thanks for all the joy, you guys are amazing.

by Koppenberg on Apr 6, 2008 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

The ale is gone, the race is over
And now what am I going to do w/ the rest of my morning now that I'm drunk before 10am?

by Cyclingrush on Apr 6, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Amazing race!!!
And really fun to hang out with you all too! Thanks!

by Veloki on Apr 6, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply actions  

there's a women's race?
Seems like cycling TV could have a highlights of that, no?
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Nuyens not so happy
I guess this was his big chance for the spring...
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Judith Arndt won the women's race.
THR ahead of Kristin Armstrong.

I love the podium ceremonies!  The roar of the crowd!!  

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 10:43 AM EDT reply actions  

thanks for posting that
Ruthann.  I wish we could get the women's tour on delay or something.

by Sui Juris on Apr 6, 2008 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

Me, too. Gosh, their thighs are
so beautiful.  If you know what I mean....

by Ruthann on Apr 6, 2008 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

nap
I so need one but I'm now off for a bike ride with friends up north. Good god this is going to hurt.

After all of this, how on earth am I ever going to watch a VS replay later today.  It just can't possibly come close.

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

by nikki on Apr 6, 2008 10:43 AM EDT reply actions  

kinda ugly trophy
truth be told.  I'd rather have a cobble a la Paris-Roubaix.
--JFS

by JFS_PGH on Apr 6, 2008 10:44 AM EDT reply actions  

too bad no Roubaix CTV here in Europe.
I'm sure I'll find something, but nothing like this today. This was simply F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!!!
Thanks again!!

by Bruce on Apr 6, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Great Commentary on CTV
Chapeau to Anthony and Brian. As for their technical architects, you guys suck. Upgrade your fucking servers or buy some more pipe or something so your paying customers can actually get in to you service. You are not invited to my Ronde party this afternoon...

by Jimbo... on Apr 6, 2008 10:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Thx all!
Great race, good beer commentary too--nice memories of 3 great years in Flanders... Take care!  Brian

by bFox on Apr 6, 2008 10:46 AM EDT reply actions  

1119 combined comments
adding up all three threads. Nice work kids...

by Jimbo... on Apr 6, 2008 10:50 AM EDT reply actions  

I feel an overpowering need...
to watch "The Natural" after seeing Devolder's ride... it's a cross sport experience but applicable...
============= Daniel

by crashdan on Apr 6, 2008 10:54 AM EDT reply actions  

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