Stage 5, Cholet - Chateauroux... LIVE!
Le Tour Stage 5
Gerolsteiner's big test today.
The motivations of grand tour teams make things pretty interesting at times. As opposed to classics, where every man jack is completely dedicated to either winning or setting up a teammate to win, in grand tours each day brings a mix of objectives. Today, Gerolsteiner will be somewhat desperate to retain the yellow jersey, an unexpected windfall for a team who came to the Tour with modest hopes.
Their biggest nemesis will almost certainly be the inevitable breakaways, who will be racing with extra incentive today... because all of the GC teams will be desperate to do as little as possible. Assuming there is a break, it will be largely up to Gerolsteiner to shut it down, with only faint hopes of help from the sprinters' teams.
The sprinters' teams include teams who won't want to work due to other concerns (Rabo, Silence); teams with tough choices to make in that regard (Columbia); and teams with little help to offer (Barloworld). That leaves Credit Agricole and Quick Step as possible allies.
Fortunately, Gerolsteiner have cards to play: Kohl and Lang are both under 2' back on GC, and capable of joining/covering breaks. Markus Fothen is 3' back as well. So, with enough attentiveness, they may keep things under control after all. Fun? Well, it's no Tour of Flanders, but it will make for good drama today. Enjoy!
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Soler abandons
Sorry boys and girls, JM Soler crashed again today at the start of the stage and then said “Screw you guys, I’m going home..”
Less fireworks in the KOM competition but it did seem unlikely that he would have done himself justice anyway though.
by Jens on Jul 9, 2008 6:42 AM EDT 0 recs
and the hopes and dreams
of many VDS teams go by the wayside
by PopUp Rolen on
Jul 9, 2008 6:44 AM EDT
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1 point
If I’m not wrong that’s all he earned in the season. The season was looking good after Liege… my worst VDS pick of the season.
by King of Doping on
Jul 9, 2008 7:10 AM EDT
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Soler has left the building.
“Le vainqueur du maillot à pois 2007, victime d’une chute dans la première étape, vient d’abandonner”
Bork, bork, bork!
by TheFigurehead on Jul 9, 2008 6:43 AM EDT 0 recs
Look on the bright side
At least he enjoyed a stellar Giro….......um…....wait a minute…........
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:14 AM EDT
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Wow... another chute victim
When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?
by crashdan on
Jul 9, 2008 11:03 AM EDT
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All French breakaway with 6 minute gap
Lilian Jegou (FRA), Francaise des Jeux
Florent Brard (FRA), Cofidis
Nicolas Vogondy (FRA), Agritubel
by PopUp Rolen on Jul 9, 2008 6:44 AM EDT 0 recs
Probably not an attractive job
to go in the break when the sprint teams have been yelled at by their DS’s for two days for not pulling the Feillu-break back on Monday. They is going to be hungry today.
by Jens on
Jul 9, 2008 7:44 AM EDT
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With Soler out, Ricco would be an idiot not to go for the KOM
Only thing is I don’t think his ego can stand being out there all day chasing points only to get dropped by inferior riders (and let’s face it, they’re all inferior) at the end.
by Jens on Jul 9, 2008 7:54 AM EDT 0 recs
I can honestly see Ricco sitting back with the leaders
And then beating them on mountain top finishes just so he can shoot off his mouth about his climbing ability. No way he takes early fliers and goes for the KOM when he can jaw at Cadel, VV, Sastre and whoever else is in the yellow jersey group.
by PopUp Rolen on
Jul 9, 2008 8:01 AM EDT
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Doubt a guy as small
and skinny like Ricco will ever be able to win the tour. Loses too much time in the TTs and tires quiker on the flats, in the Giro they often take it more tranquilo on the flat stages.
by Capisce on Jul 9, 2008 8:14 AM EDT 0 recs
Valverde involved in a crash
He has apparently been to the medical car to have his knee examined.
by Monty. on Jul 9, 2008 8:17 AM EDT 0 recs
Nikki
Just wanted to let you know that Nikki had her appendics removed late last night. She is in the hospital but should be out today. Cheer for her guys for her.
by rose on Jul 9, 2008 8:28 AM EDT 0 recs
Only a real cycling fan
would crash out like that in July. And if her doctor understands, he will have her sitting back at her keyboard and screen in another couple of hours, even as the last few stitches are going in. “Ignore that, doctor, it’s just a little blood.”
Please pass on best wishes from all here.
by Monty. on
Jul 9, 2008 8:37 AM EDT
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too funny
I am talking to her now and she is giggling away. She has on her HTFU braclet.
by rose on
Jul 9, 2008 8:39 AM EDT
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it was all those exclamation points, I bet
Maybe she’ll be a little more careful with them in the future.
(cue The More You Know music and rainbow)
by Sui Juris on
Jul 9, 2008 8:52 AM EDT
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Ok - she gets today off
But tomorrow she’d better be back online. Otherwise we’ll have to send Jens in the early stage break.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:42 AM EDT
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Didn't Hamilton
finish the Giro with a burst appendix?
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:43 AM EDT
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tell her get well soon!
we really can’t go too many days without her. we’d be lost :-)
gav <— not really awake
by gavia on
Jul 9, 2008 10:16 AM EDT
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Tell her no looking at Benna..
... until she’s fully recovered… Doctor’s Orders.
When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?
by crashdan on
Jul 9, 2008 11:05 AM EDT
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chapeau nikki! Excellent timing
imagine being stuck home in a month without cycling. The horror.
Go Team Zoe!
Cavendish, Di Gregorio, Fothen, Kirchen
, Kreuziger, Lowe, Siutsou
, Ten Dam
, Y.Trofimov and Vandevelde
by ZoeRochelle on
Jul 9, 2008 10:24 AM EDT
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You guys are so funny.
I did not realiize this was in the live thread. Trying to get caught up tonight. Love being home but missing the injected pain meds as those were dreamy like. Last night when my friends brought my laptop I quickly got them on board with Benna and the crew here. So fun. :-)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on
Jul 10, 2008 9:25 PM EDT
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Separate diary
one of her friends posted a fanpost about her, a great place to post well-wishes and pictures of her favorite hot guys.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:39 AM EDT
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Sympathy to the right
Here we just poke fun. Wonder which thread will be the biggest?
by Monty. on
Jul 9, 2008 9:43 AM EDT
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Get well soon Nikki...
Will I get booted off this thread if my post conveys sympathy and well wishes!!?
All the best Nikki and I hope you’re on the mend
Rebecca
by rebeccactv on
Jul 9, 2008 10:12 AM EDT
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You won't get booted
since you control our Ctv accounts…........but you may get heckled ;-)
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:17 AM EDT
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At least she was smart enough
to get sick on a likely sprint day that is also the longest distance. Think of all the VS filler pieces she’ll miss! How clever!
by Katiek on
Jul 9, 2008 10:24 AM EDT
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Holy Crap... It's Rebecca!
I don’t think Nikki will mind if I take a moment on her Sympathy thread to say … long time no see!
When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?
by crashdan on
Jul 9, 2008 11:07 AM EDT
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Thanks Rebecca!
Been missing you lately. I hope the vacation was a good one.
We need some updates from you and Crashdan – I hope you update your site soon with some more pics!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on
Jul 10, 2008 9:27 PM EDT
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according to biciciclismo.com
Liquigas will soon announce that they are leaving the ProTour for next season.
by King of Doping on Jul 9, 2008 8:32 AM EDT 0 recs
Idiom
of the month.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:40 AM EDT
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UCI is going down
LeMond: Cycling doesn’t need UCI
by semprenaroda on
Jul 9, 2008 9:53 AM EDT
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Yeah... I bet that analogy is frighteninly appropriate though...
... it can’t fly, but man, once it’s on the ground, it’s gonna take forever to just put that damn thing out of it’s misery.
When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?
by crashdan on
Jul 9, 2008 11:07 AM EDT
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Is that any surprise
Basso or ProTour? They chose when they signed him up.
by Monty. on
Jul 9, 2008 8:42 AM EDT
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But they probably figured they could
save some money like cofidis on the protour license.
by Capisce on
Jul 9, 2008 8:47 AM EDT
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I bet they decided against PT before they even thought about Basso
The who PT thing requires such an insanely larger budget.
For what?
Nadda . . . or phonetically in Chinese – mayo
by Ryan_Liles on
Jul 9, 2008 9:13 AM EDT
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poor nikki
Doctors say she will have to be home for 2 weeks. how nice
by rose on Jul 9, 2008 8:41 AM EDT 0 recs
I know
What a way for her to stay home and follow along with you all! Her boss will never believe this..
by rose on
Jul 9, 2008 8:59 AM EDT
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I believe this was her cereal of choice on Monday - worked like a charm too

"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:44 AM EDT
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Oh that looks yummy. :-)
I’m thinking if I can get an infection going, I will be good through the Tour and be looking for for heading into the Vuelta! Tee hee! :-)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on
Jul 10, 2008 9:29 PM EDT
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Yah
“there have been some minor complications which will extend her rest through stage 21… I mean Sunday.”
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:42 AM EDT
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Chris
Is it too late to throw myself down the stairs like I used to?
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:45 AM EDT
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most definitely
not
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:50 AM EDT
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I'm pushing for the 2 weeks and then I magically have vacation
days to cover the few missed with medical leave. ha!
I told Will this morning in an email I hope I get bumped up into the top runnings for best fan ever as I think going to this extreme to watch him and C on tv for two weeks should be worth something. :-) LOL!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
by nikki on
Jul 10, 2008 9:31 PM EDT
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A brillant display of season planning
She is officially now on track to peak for these next two weeks!
A rookie, like myself, should be taking notes.
This entire will be inundated with giggles, Garmen did you know trivia, and hotitude updates.
Her performance is going to go through the roof!
by Ryan_Liles on
Jul 9, 2008 9:22 AM EDT
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good job showing riders relieving themselves
hooray tour cameramen
by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 9, 2008 9:12 AM EDT 0 recs
Versus streaming via cyclingfans.com
This is cool! In addition to their other streams, cyclingfans.com has Versus streaming now.
I’ve actually been missing Paul and Phil since i don’t have cable anymore (yes, it’s true), LOL!
Diane
by dwilson on Jul 9, 2008 9:19 AM EDT 0 recs
Gerol
looks like they were trying to cut a deal with CA.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 9:41 AM EDT 0 recs
peloton zooming along through the fields
No breakaways today
by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 9:43 AM EDT 0 recs
Eh?
Are you watching the same race? Am I watching the same race?
by Monty. on
Jul 9, 2008 9:44 AM EDT
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Aha
Some DSs clearly weren’t happy with monday’s stage. I wonder what sort of threats they make nowadays? You can’t pour someone’s blood refill down the toilet these days, can you.
by Monty. on
Jul 9, 2008 9:53 AM EDT
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Optimist!
I’m not so sure.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste
by Koppenberg on
Jul 9, 2008 10:52 AM EDT
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The key
they’re all French. The break will be tragically caught at the line. Everyone goes home happy.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 9:54 AM EDT
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ha!
chavanel in a pre-race interview said it was a race for the sprinters for sure
by gavia on
Jul 9, 2008 10:18 AM EDT
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Burghardt on the front
Good to see him here at the Tour.
Maybe he will get me some VDS points later in the race…
by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 9:44 AM EDT 0 recs
Excellent way to pass the time until things heat up
David Millar wrote a diary entry this morning on the chaos that happened on Stage 3 when the peloton split into three. It’s a great read and gives exceptional insight into the chaos of a race that the cameras don’t catch.
by PopUp Rolen on Jul 9, 2008 9:49 AM EDT 0 recs
Thanks!
I would’ve missed that if you hadn’t mentioned it.
by rocketpress on
Jul 9, 2008 10:01 AM EDT
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Wow!
This little bit caught my eye:
I did 4.1 km in 4mins 12secs averaging 533 watts at an average speed of 58.7km/h
That’s amazing.
by KevinK on
Jul 9, 2008 10:07 AM EDT
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Wow
That’s called burning some matches.
Great first week… today’s the first “meh” stage.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:11 AM EDT
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Right around WR pace for the 4K pursuit
He was working his ass off to be sure. I also loved the fact that the last 50m to the junction seemed like 10K. Anyone who’s ever raced has been in that depressing position, right gang?
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:15 AM EDT
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I'm in it
right now.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:27 AM EDT
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Ha!
Thought that might get a reaction out of you. Still waiting to hear from Chris and Gavia.
I think R Mc is a hardman and is smart enough to stay out of this position ;-)
Anyone else?
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:29 AM EDT
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And Chris checks in.........
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:29 AM EDT
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ha!
si…. so depressingly true. they’re freakin’ right there. how come i can’t get across tot hat wheel? it’s not that far. sigh.
by gavia on
Jul 9, 2008 10:30 AM EDT
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In addition
you start having that conversation with your legs, alternating between praising them for their efforts and cursing them for lack of progress.
“Stupid legs! Work harder or I swear to Christ I will cut you off when we get home!”
Surprisingly this threat has never worked.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Jul 9, 2008 10:35 AM EDT
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it's never good
when you start talking to your legs….
by gavia on
Jul 9, 2008 10:38 AM EDT
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