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Stage 5, Cholet - Chateauroux... LIVE!

Tourbecco_tiny by Chris... on in Live Races Comment 297 comments

Le Tour Stage 5


Tour-sprint-live-1_medium

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 reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The poor guy

What a miserable tour he’s had!

by Albertina on Jul 9, 2008 8:27 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   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 reply reply actions actions   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 reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope you feel much better soon, Nikki!

by dwilson on Jul 9, 2008 8:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ha ha

oh dear, I’ll prepare myself for it then!

by rebeccactv on Jul 9, 2008 10:19 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

UCI is going down
LeMond: Cycling doesn’t need UCI

by semprenaroda on Jul 9, 2008 9:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that any surprise

Basso or ProTour? They chose when they signed him up.

by Monty. on Jul 9, 2008 8:42 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   0 recs

scam!

Totally did it on purpose.

by Sui Juris on Jul 9, 2008 8:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   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 reply reply actions actions   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 reply reply actions actions   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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder

maybe their cocaine?

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 9:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Optimist!

I’m not so sure.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply reply actions actions   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 reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks!

I would’ve missed that if you hadn’t mentioned it.

by rocketpress on Jul 9, 2008 10:01 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thanks

very good information…

by semprenaroda on Jul 9, 2008 10:03 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's never good

when you start talking to your legs….

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:38 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's only bad when they start to argue back at you.

As you should be well aware, your legs are apart of a very strong union and therefore cannot really be threatened.
Hahaha . . . .

by Ryan_Liles on Jul 9, 2008 10:40 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's why

the badger was such a good cyclist. As we saw the other day, he has no patience for unions.

by Hons on Jul 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Next time, try

Shut up, body!

(What? If it works for Jens . . .)

by Sui Juris on Jul 9, 2008 10:39 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Indeed

Except it’s a situation where you just lost the wheel to begin with…

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 10:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What if

they start talking back? Then you’re really faaked.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:38 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fortunately

Most of the races that I do are circuits/crits, so when I get popped off the back I simply pretend that I am just that far off the front. By the end of the collegiate season my team was prepared to write “Does not play well with others” on my report card.

by Hons on Jul 9, 2008 10:31 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

too funny :-)

i don’t want to ride with the other kids…

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:32 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I swear

I’m not a triathalete!!

by Hons on Jul 9, 2008 10:38 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"oh! mechanical!"

See you boys next lap!

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 10:38 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The only time I did that

when I crashed at Rutgers, the next lap was a prim lap so I never was able to get back on.

by Hons on Jul 9, 2008 10:40 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I caught that hand sling

during the race and wondered who it was as it went by too fast to see. Great team work.

by Clydesdale on Jul 9, 2008 10:20 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lots of heat shimmer on the road

Does anyone know what the temps are there?

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

morning folks

looks like we finally get a field sprint today

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

39.7 km to go, 1.53 the gap

Jegou <—he was in the break on stage 1
brard
vogondy <—french national champion

the break

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bunch not working too hard at it yet

very bunchy

agree, k, sprint, mos def

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ooooh, chateau thingy

beauregard. lots of pointy bits

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And seemingly

with no way of getting to the door. Not that I saw.

by Monty. on Jul 9, 2008 10:24 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mausoleum?

Castle of ill repute?

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 10:28 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From what I understood

It’s now owned by some Taiwanese who fell in love with it from a couple of photos.

by Monty. on Jul 9, 2008 10:30 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As I am currently living in Taiwan . . .

. . . I highly doubt that.
It may be true, but highly unlikely

by Ryan_Liles on Jul 9, 2008 10:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Taiwan

I hear the riding there is outstanding. A guy was telling me about his visits there with FSA people. Of course, he borrowed the Giant TCR they had lying around for guests.

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 10:39 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The riding here is epic

Think Italian roads in, but in Hawaii.
Crazy fun road riding.
As for MTBing, there is really not much of that yet, but they are building that up as well.

What FSA guy were your talking to?
I probably know him.

by Ryan_Liles on Jul 9, 2008 10:44 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alternatively

they used some French word I don’t understand which sounds a bit like Taiwan. Both are possible.

by Monty. on Jul 9, 2008 10:40 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

McEwen/Evans team support

Ha.. Whenever there’s an interview with Robbie, he complains that he doesn’t get complete team support. Whenever there’s an interview with Cadel, he complains that he doesn’t get complete team support.

Tough job for Lotto to do leadouts and support Cadel.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep

Now he knows what Ete went through w/ Telekom.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:25 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, but Zabel never complained . . .

. . .he just won a bunch of stages and filled his closet with a bunch of green shirts.

by Ryan_Liles on Jul 9, 2008 10:29 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My thoughts exactly

"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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He did complain

After he got the 6th green jersey, Godefroot & Kummer left Lombardi (or Fagnini, I forget who he had then) off the squad, giving Jan all their support.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:36 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

must be le tour

hay piles in the field

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice thing about days like today

is that I can watch the tour and win domesticity points. I got up and turned the stage on at 5:30 and while things putted along I made coffee, a simple breakfast (bacon, watermelon pieces, toast), and lunches for us. Now I’m ready for work, got my coffee, and can sit back and listen to Phil & Paul. The SO appreciates the efforts, but vastly prefers the CTV announcers to P&P.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

steegmans

expects to work with gerolsteiner during this stage. says that it’s been nervous racing – no prologue, no time bonuses. france 2 guys think he’s a good pick for today.

pre-race interview.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

one can hope

I’m a Gert fan, but he needs a result.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:26 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wilfred Pieters (sp?)

QS DS just interviewed in the car. QS will probably start working at 10k to go. His favourite for the stage is Cavendish. All the Fr2 commentators agree.

by Monty. on Jul 9, 2008 10:29 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

grazie!

i didn’t catch too much of peeters.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:31 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sprinter teams massing at the front

field is moving along pretty well and gap is dropping.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

peeters

talking about the sprinters – cavendish is good, so is mcewen. eh, lost the sounds…. we will take our chance.

interview in the car with peeters, ds quickstep. his french was hard for me to follow though.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gap = 1.36, 34.5 km to go

agree, some action at the front.

moving faster… there’s robbie mac near the front.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cavendish is my pick

although I don’t know anything about the finish. Is it a straight run in, or technical?

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are there any teams willing to do set-up work

besides high road?

Liquigas and QS seem willing to drive the pace, but both are cagey enough not to work hard to set up Hushovd and McEwen when their teams can’t be bothered to actually work for the stage win.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

riders at the front 18 mph

I’d say they’ve had enough.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 10:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

31.3 km to go, 1.34 the gap

vogondy, brard and jegou still off the front

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Commerical probably wouldn't work

so well with a dead one.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:36 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

touche

groan

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know, I know

couldn’t resist being a prick ;-)

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right

No more snarkitude from me this morning. Tomorrow morning is a whole ‘nother issue though.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:40 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

long race yet to go

don’t want to peak too soon

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

F that

Super Besse. Back to business tomorrow.

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 10:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chris knows me

way to well Gav. Sadly he is correct :-(

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ooooh

can’t wait for the super thingy

should be fun

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:43 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lovely bit of ag art there

little heart in the pasture lands. très tour

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

'nother chateau

complete with moat. not sure how you get across the moat. swim?

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thor

we will try to control it. it’s a long stage, it will be difficult. he wants to win

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hello, hello, hello...

What’d I miss?

"I won! I won! I don't have to go to school anymore." -- Eddy Merckx, after winning his first bike race

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 9, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not a thing

except VV crashed out and Soler is on a breakaway.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Breakaway to the couch?

"I won! I won! I don't have to go to school anymore." -- Eddy Merckx, after winning his first bike race

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

standard sprint stage

24.5 km to go, 1.39 the gap
vogondy, brard and jegou up the road

also, some snark, some chateaux, and some pasture art

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

While we're all waiting

You’ve seen the LAist story about the 4th of July road rage, yes? At least we know the perp will pay. (Dearly, I bet.)

by Sui Juris on Jul 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

Link please? Have not heard about this.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:43 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Link

Doh. Sorry about that.

Here it is. Prepare for elevated blood pressure.

by Sui Juris on Jul 9, 2008 10:44 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

strange

I hope when the cyclist prevented him from leaving, it was done with gusto.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 10:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Assault with a deadly weapon

was what I heard.
The only reason that the charges are happening though is that he was delivered a warning a few months back after a civil suit was filed.

by Hons on Jul 9, 2008 10:57 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

which reminded me that I should

make an effort to get plates and take the time to complain, instead of giving the finger.

by Sui Juris on Jul 9, 2008 10:58 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good point

I still am thinking about posting such information on line.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 11:01 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Side note...

Did you hear about the cyclist that was killed yesterday morning in Dupont at R and 20th?

by rocketpress on Jul 9, 2008 10:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes.

Posted here about it.

Really, really sad.

by Sui Juris on Jul 9, 2008 10:54 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And also

talking cows apparently.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

crap

audio on justin tv is crossed up now getting baseball audio, tour viddy

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:43 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slow stage today

has JV on Twitter saying he is talking to two riders for ‘09-’10. And wants guesses to who they are.

by Clydesdale on Jul 9, 2008 10:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol, can he at least give us a wee hint?

there’s a lot of bike racers without contracts out there

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:44 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No hints but says

two is the maximum they will hire unless team size limit changes.

by Clydesdale on Jul 9, 2008 10:45 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that would make some sense actually

they already have maaskant. and he’s unhappy with his current team…

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:47 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bah, fragile prima donna

I’m hoping they can bag one of Columbia’s excess sprinters or a good classics hand.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:49 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ditto

Was thinking that last night when reading a thread about his ongoing communications to Rabobank via Lawyers.

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

by Drew... on Jul 9, 2008 11:14 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

57 sec

under a minute now. lots of cheers from the roadside.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

12 km to go

inkling of a leadout forming at the front with Liqui getting involved.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

only 37 sec the gap. nearly done now

say b’bye to the break

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thanks for the info 'bout TeamSlipstream on Twitter

they’ve got a great feed!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JV's apology the other

day was too funny after the in car F bomb.

by Clydesdale on Jul 9, 2008 11:01 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no streaming at work...

...simply sucks!!...thanks for keeping me updated guys!

by steph- on Jul 9, 2008 10:59 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oscarito!

”...efficiency through repetition,efficiency through repetition,efficiency through repetition…”

"I won! I won! I don't have to go to school anymore." -- Eddy Merckx, after winning his first bike race

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 9, 2008 11:01 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

and right back up through to the front – good riding there from hinky

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JV saying

he will use Martijn, Magnus and Dean as his sprint team but will need some luck to beat out Cav & Chicchi

by Clydesdale on Jul 9, 2008 11:05 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

7.1 km, 31 sec

all the sprinters at the front

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jaja

says everyone is riding at the maximum. saying that sadly, the break is nearly caught

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

chute!

Passeron. Everyone OK?

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

strung out now

4 km to go, 21 sec and falling fast

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Columbia

all over the front. LIQ coming up with Chicchi.

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice to see Columbia

taking responsibility.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully Kirchen

can score some points as well

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:06 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Still 20" for the break,

but coming down.

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

crash

114, sprinter for gerol

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CRAP

"I won! I won! I don't have to go to school anymore." -- Eddy Merckx, after winning his first bike race

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 9, 2008 11:07 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haussler goes down

back luck, that

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chute!

Gerol rider… Haussler, looks not so good.

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

14 seconds at 3k to go

The peloton is gonna catch with maybe 300-500 meters, or pretty damn close.

by BDBrian on Jul 9, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll call

Freire. WTH?

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

close run thing

2.6 km to go columbia working

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oscar heads to the front

good fighting here!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

here comes Oscar

on the left of the field

3 km to go

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kirchen 5th wheel

Just sayin

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FDJ

bringing up Seb Chavanel

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oscar marking KK

Z

"I won! I won! I don't have to go to school anymore." -- Eddy Merckx, after winning his first bike race

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 9, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vogondy has a pair!

I’m calling Zabel, out of nostalgia

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh oh oh

one breakaway rider still off the front!

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The catch?

Vogondy attacking, but futile.

under the red kite!

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

KK leading out

Cavendish their man.

Vogondy leaking oil

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't understand

why the riders keep stopping like that every few seconds – oh wait it’s just the jerky feed. :)

by Katiek on Jul 9, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

downhill finish

here they come!!! 300 meters! He’s toast….

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

alllez!!!!

here is the sprint

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ciolek in the lead

and stays there!
Freire maybe 2nd

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

really?

france 2 called cav

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

awww,

if only he’d gotten it, although I’m glad Columbia got a stage win after being so close. Nice for the new sponsor.

by Katiek on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now that is a shock

although the columbia sleaves look oddly like German champ stripes

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That

final acceleration certainly looked like Cav

by Hons on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was cavendish

he’s the fastest man in the peloton by far, nice downhill finish for him

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cavendish it is!

Looks like robbie nubbed Zabel for 2nd place points

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Robbie

where was he exactly?

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:13 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oops,

mistook rabo for silence colors

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:17 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lotto did the right thing

Lotto was smart to not support Robbie with riders this time around. I’m sure they weren’t too surprised by today and him not being around at the end.

If I just had one more gear, I...

by SpunOut on Jul 9, 2008 11:20 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Make that Cavendish

Thor 0n the right, Freire on Cavendish’s wheel. Thor couldn’t close, and Freire never came around. Meanwhile Zabel snuck into 2nd

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

by Chris... on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

'kay

thanks… because they just showed him in the post-race hug and it looked like cav.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great job for Columbia

They led it out and took the win. Nobody could stop them.

by KevinK on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

vogondy

it was close. did you have a chance when you attacked in the last km? i saw the bunch behind me and i thought well, i’ll try. said there was wind.

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:15 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gc unchanged

schumi
kirchen
millar

by gavia on Jul 9, 2008 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good show for Cavendish

He’s always been quick, today he was fast as well.

I still want to call Columbia Telekom, however.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thor Smash!

He looks good in green, but I’m still annoyed that CA refuses to do much in the way of work.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 11:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are u serious?

CA has worked 100km to keep the breakeways in distance.. Rabobank, Silence Lotto and Barloworld are the one how we haven’t see

Some say the best things in life, are one the inside.

by Frinking on Jul 9, 2008 12:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw Gerol, Liquigas, & QS

up front but no green weenies. I must have missed them. Still, their reputation for leaching off of other teams and not pulling their weight has been well earned and will be hard to get rid of. As I’ve said, it is hard not to be a fan of Thor, but CA is equally hard to root for. The way they stuck by Saul was heartwarming, but I just don’t like the way they race.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 9, 2008 12:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions