CycleGirl and Flatbagger present the 2009 Tour Down Under
by Flatbagger on Jan 7, 2009 7:34 PM EST
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PrintWell, seeing as we seem to have been unfairly infiltrating other posts to speak of our enthusiasm and excitement towards our little race down-under i thought it time we opened our own thread.
Poor CycleGirl is in such a quandry deciding just which Pro Cyclist attracting clothes to pack in the suitcase and as to just which teams she will be sharing a floor with at the Hilton (errr...meaning level of Hotel and I hope there's enough beds to go round....awww you know wot I mean!!!). It seems that she has quickly forgotten that neither Benno nor Phillipe or even Dekker junior will be here and is just as excited at the chance to share a lift with Armstrong or to check out Hincapies varicose veins or to cheer on the local boys while she sits and drinks bucket loads of wine.
I meanwhile am getting the Madone seviced and popping on some new tyres that will cover the planned 800 or so kilometres with stealth and ease.....oh, and making my mind up just which is the appropriate lycra to wear for each day. I'm also hoping that Lance may pop round for a BBQ so i can give hime some advice on the pro's and cons of cycling without testicles but it seems that security may be a little tight so I'm hoping for a little 'inside information' eh CycleGirl :-)
In the following weeks CG will be providing you with a social column with a sports focus and I'll be providing a sports column with a social focus and we'll try and get you all the goss, the enthusiasts eye views and some scintillating photo's to keep you guys in the sub arctic climates warm during your cold Winter's nights.
There....did I sell it well enough.
And for starters......who said Lance has got a face like the side of a tram?? 
via mellowjohnnyg2009tourdownunder.bigblog.com.au
We're excited.....spot the undercover security guards!!
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Dang
We have to wait almost two more weeks for this? I’m ready.
CQRanking.com, you complete me.
by Chris Fontecchio on Jan 7, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions
"we'll try and get you all the goss"
does that mean that we are going to get a bunch of info on Mathew Goss? Oh and the Aussie TT championships are going on right now, should have some results in about 3 hours, my guess-Rogers.
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
Ohh I'm going for Hansen
Can you believe no friggin live coverage in australia.. I’m pissed.
and flatbagger awesome, Yes…well sold… and i’m looking forward to see who i’m sharing the floor with LoL…. and ladeis be certain there will be LOT"S of photo’s, and i’m sure there will be some great Hotittude and Rear of the year pics for all. Oh and some of the cycling..
Looking forward to sharing the experience, and if you like i’ll also be sharing my experience on the Astana website, so be sure to check it out..
Now, i’m wondering if i’ll get in trouble if i press the emergency stop button in the lift??? If i stop breathing it’s an emergency.
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
There is no live coverage of the TdU in Australia either
or anywhere, except for the final stage, such BS, I want some live road cycling and I want it now(pouting)
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
You would think with all the media
that there would be live somewhere… Oh well i’ll try and update as soon as i can.. i should be able to post winner as soon as race is won, love the internet on my phone :-)
Here is what is happening around the world with coverage
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
ok, although you should put a warning up when you post the results
some people might want to wait until the highlight show to see who won, I personally think I’ll follow the live ticker but I’m not sure yet
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
Oh good... well, not actually good....
… but good that I am not ‘missing something’.
I have been hunting for evidence of ‘coverage’, but have found nothing other than the usual SBS hilights thing – which happens about five years after the actual event (ah, I shouldn’t whinge about SBS – they are giving us Paris-Roubaix live these days…)
It’s atrocious- Aussie protour race, no coverage here in Oz :(
So you two are planning these faintings and you're the doc the makes it look legit.... nice.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Very funny image, the emergency stop ;-)
You must pretend to faint, then whoever is in the lift with you will be forced to press said button. But you’ll need to practice. Rehearsals must start now.
Rehearsals ar being conducted
breath a bit heavier, pretend you are getting hot, famn yoourself, wobble and grab rider who is in the lift a little, then fall…
Sweet…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
fan yourself*
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
I have faith in your acting ability...
…but depending on who it is in the lift, you may find you don’t need to act ;-)
More posts!
Definitely is cold cold cold northern hemispherites want to hear all the news from you two!
how do I get my reply to post directly under what i replied to???
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
If there is already a reply to that comment you can't post it directly underneath
it will go under the reply already posted, and if there are replies to the other replies than your reply on the original comment will go underneath that whole set of replies….umm I just confused myself but maybe you will understand what I’m saying(probably not)
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
in reply to Phil H...too bloody late CycleGirl's in between us
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
ummmm don't i have a say in this
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Good call, notice how I have stayed silent, I wont say anything
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
Oh my. There are more Californians
than the entire population of the country of Australia? 38 million people in Cali. No wonder the Tour of California gets live streaming coverage.
ohhh they are here.. but they are lurking...
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Do home sick ones count?
I’m State-Side, have been for more than 8 years, but would give my left arm to be able to follow the TDU in person, especially given the weather outside at the moment.
I love to look back at the progression of cycling in Aus. From the Commonwealth Bank Classic (which was a fantastic race in its own right, and the first time that I got to see a then very young, Jan Ullrich race in person) up to the Tour Down Under, it’s come a long way…..
I’m counting on you Cyclegirl and Flatbagger to give us an Aussie perspective on the best start-of-season race on the planet!
On a different note, if you had told me 8 years ago that I would consider a ride in snow and sub-zero conditions a “good” ride, then I would have laughed at you; but compared to riding in ice pellets and sleet at near freezing temperatures, it actually is a good ride!!!
You can file that under the category of things that I really did not need to learn first hand.
by muk on Jan 8, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
We'll do our best muk....
and don’t forget that a young Jens Voigt cut his teeth in the CBC too. The qualification test is say ‘…the dingo ate my baby!’….if you sound like Meryl Streep you’re off the list. The temperature is rising here in Adelaide….and that’s withouut CycleGirl’s arrival.
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
I'll meet you over yonder to "goss" lyne!
It’s taking me forever to catch up on the last few days but this I wish I had laughed at sooner. :-)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Lotto has arrived in Adelaide
Well it seems the Teams are starting to arrive…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
not soon enough
but hey, once i’m there, you will know…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Aust Nat TT champ is...............
Michael Rogers with Cameron Meyer coming second…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Hey
that was almost simultaneously that we posted Rogers won, nice
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
LoL
I’ve been waiting for ages..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
What happened to Hansen btw
11th over 3 minutes back? He’s better than that and he had hoped to defend his title
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
It will be interesting see what he says..
I’m sure he is pissed..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Oh yeah, very
you picked him to win right, nice call on that one:) Also I had no clue Meyer was such a good TTist, looks like Garmin picked up another TT threat, as if they needed one.
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
I just noticed
that Meyer finished third at the U23 TT’s last year, only 20 he is.
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
Didn't he win 2nd at the U23 world champs??
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
No, third
here are the results
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
Well looks like he is in for a good season..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
I called it right Michael Rogers wins the Aussie TT
by 6 seconds over Cameron Meyer of Garmin, shoot so close to a first Garmin win already. Here are the results
"If you go (with a break), you can either win or not win. If you don't go for it, you definitely won't win."
~ Jens Voigt
Tour Down Under Update....
I did a beachie last night….nobody but a few old guys trying to get fit enough to squeeze into last years Lycra. Apparently the Silence and Columbia guys will be out stomping the pedals today so I’ll have my ‘eyes’ post me on form, style, teamwork and appearance. The TDU ‘village’ is all but complete and looking very impressive this year. There is a distinct lack of road-writing on the KOM climbs, but that will soon be rectified with some PdC labelled artwork…..any topical suggestions??
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
Well, personally, anything with "Jens!" in it would do....
Like “Podium Cafe (hearts) Jens!” or “Jens! RULES!” or “Jens! is God!”…anything along those lines would be so fantastic! I’m looking forward to your posts; have fun!
Marry me Frank, ohhhh he isn't coming..
Yeah definately a PdC hearts Jens!
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
I can't wait!
We want to hear all about it, every detail :-) And I know I can trust you to produce hundreds of photos CycleGirl!
LMAO TDU Competition
Well, just thought you would love this, everyone has heard me bitch about the TDU organisers and how they couldn’t get there crap together, and pissed me off with changing details once i had bought my stuff.. Now I know why, they were busy organising competitions like this!!!!
Win a free pair of Beach CROCs
The beach™, the original CROCs™ model; is comfortable, cool, and molds to your feet. It features an orthotic foot bed; advanced toe-box ventilation system; slip-resistant and non-marking soles; anti-microbial and odor resistance; ergonomic Italian styling; wide, roomy foot bed; is made with croslite™ PCCR material; and weighs only ounces.
For your chance to win a pair of Beach CROCs, tell us in 25 words or less, to which Stage of the 2009 Tour Down Under would you wear your new Beach CROCs and why?
Email your answer to tourdownunder@tourism.sa.com by 16 January 2009, with your shoe size, for your chance to win.
Geez, i’m sure that was hard to think about… Classic..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
And Jimbo is going to be trying to get a pair!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
That is hysterical.
Crocs are so wrong it’s beyond belief. Do you know you can get fur lined ones! Argh. I still haven’t got over the sight of Sam San in orange ones with long white socks.
*Lotto's arrival
as mentioned above, *Lotto was the first team to arrive in Adelaide – local article with a video news clip (mostly talking to Mario Aerts) about their arrival here
Just found this...
local media outlet’s “”http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/feature/splash/1,,5015732,00.html" >TDU Supersite", for all the latest news, interviews, etc.
Oh, and how many rec’s does a fanpost need to become featured or whatever?
Update from the Flatbagger CC
I did a long ride today. Was out of bed way to early to spot any of those over-protected namby pamby pro’s on the road as i headed out on a reconnaiscence of Stage 1 armed with a couple of cans of spray paint. There is a Jens in a rather wonky love heart with a PdC girls written underneath but it was my practice run and i was out of breath after a hard climb up a 7% climb and it looks crap. I added a touch of Lance Humour on the 10% section of Checker Hill.
The Barossa valley is looking stunning for the Tour. The vines are so green in contrast to the parched and dry bush that surrounds them. We’ve got a 41 degree day coming up on Tuesday and it looks like it’s heading back to a Northerly weather system which can only mean one thing…..a HOT TDU as per usual. Apparently Lance arrives early this week mainly for some of his cancer commitments but i’m sure the Astana team will be out on the roads soon. The security surrounding his presence is a joke….even if he is perhaps a future President or saint!! Even his training rides are going to have a police presence…..fuck!!! If i can keep up with Team Astana on a training ride I deseve to be allowed to tag on and if any security dude tries to stop me i’ll stick my HTFU band in one of their orifices.
Sorry. Had my shot yesterday and the man jooce is overflowing.
I can’t wait till next week.
Johnny G
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
That is awesome
Well done flatbagger,
I’ll look out for the heart Jens! Oh there will probably be a few more PdC messages soon too… My sister lives on One Tree hill, It looks like PdC is going to be part of TDU,hehehe
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Make sure to take pics of them and share them here!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Yeah I will
In the next couple of days there will be
PdC (Hearts) SexyBank, Go Jens! on
and i’m still not there, my sister has been given the job, i’ll get pic when it is done..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Well let the police escorts begin. Lance arrived in Adelaide today
He twittered it 25 minutes ago…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
hmmmmm....what happened to my picture
….maybe the Police are using it as evidence :-)….or maybe Lance took offence and his security boys are on my trail.
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
sh-t...did i write Lycra.....
I meant bike….oh never mind, someone might find it funny.
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
I find it funny
It’s what i say to everyone,
I don’t just watch cycling to see the HOT guys in Lycra… They just laugh at me…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Oh yes, I know that feeling!
They always smile knowingly when I start rabbiting on about tactics and exciting races…and then say ‘but it’s the lycra really of course!’ Just because I’m a girl…..
Flatbagger, this is awesome!
I can’t wait for this thing to get started! Your updates are too fun. You and CycleGirl are putting a high standard up for those of us going to other races.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
the TDU effect
hey guys….it was a stinker in Adelaide today. I’m just back from an insanely fast bunch ride (we averaged over 40Km/hr) and it was still 35’ (95F) at 7pm when we started. It must have been a bit hard on some of the guys who had just jetted in from the sub-arctic. I saw Silence, Bouygues Telecom, Milram and Liquigas out today as i was going mental trying to get my car serviced and visit docs (yay! all clear for my cochlear implant on Feb 12th).
Adelaide has gone Lance crazy. I called into a local bike shop and they had sold 20 Astana outfits today (at AU$350 a pop) so Mr Trek will be happy. I’m strong as, and itching for my races next week. I’m doing a crit on Monday night and there are about 70 starters on a 1km hot dog circuit in each grade….should be fun!
I meant to do a bit more for you guys but my Dad is a little unwell and I had to re-prioritise.
I got photos already but can’t be arsed putting them up tonight.
I’ve also got CycleGirl’s room number at the Hilton by letting the concierge have a ride on my Madone if anyone wants it!
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
Thanks for all the updates!
I hope your dad feels better soon.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
thanks Nikki...mucho appreciato
he’s ok….just forgets where he lives.
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
...and then a reference to size...
i.e……a 58cm 6.5pro….it gets ’em all the time….unless someone comes in with a 58cm 6.9pro with a special black and yellow paint jobby!!
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
LoL
Don’t come a knocking, unless you have shaved legs, are riding in the TDU and are a Pro-cyclist with a CQ ranking..hehehe
Is that too fussy?? I need good stories for gossip on this post..
BTW George is arriving in adelaide today, and it looks like there may be a split in the Team, Andre going for back to back, and George going for the win.. It will be interesting!!
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Just rumours and chinese whispers I say..LoL
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
well, the Hilton staff have made it easy...
the sign points to your room….hee hee!
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
Classic...
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
oh I am swooning. Don't worry - I shall be watching his every move
or at least all of the moves that I can see from 8152 miles away (or 13119 km whichever suits you.) He was in Auckland NZ 6 hours ago so he is probably there by now.
George and the TDU both just tweeted that he is in Adelaide and checked in.
Took 30 hrs for him to get there. He says he needs to ride badly.
by ZoeRochelle on Jan 13, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Yes saw George's Tweet just after he arrived...
My sister just sent photo Message via phone of cofidis training in Adelaide, she was on side of road yellling out, they were yelling back with french accent, hello, thankyou lady….. hahahaha, very funny, turned my sister into a cycling fanatic, she should be road marking tonight…
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Jealous ! !
Jeez, I was jealous of Lyne and her 64 degrees late afternoon coffee in San Fran, and now this 95 degrees evening in Adelaide, I can’t take it anymore, I am jumpin’ on the next boat ! I want to get sunburned where the sun never shines, oh ya. (rear view ladies, no frontside comments – puhlease)
Swap ya
…gladly!
It’s about 95 (/35C) where I am (Sydney) now, and we’re headed for about 105 (/41C) tomorrow :( . You can have it – and welcome! Warning: it ain’t a ‘dry’ heat, in these parts…
ACK!
Lou…I can’t resist…I’m reading your comment, and watching the nightly news, and they flash the temperature: it is officially 101 degrees colder outside my house than it is where you are. It’s -6F With a windchill of -22F.
And Thursday it’s actually supposed to get cold.
Oh man Ruthann...
I am soooooo feeling your pain. It’s currently negative 1 and slowly dropping. The wind is picking up and thus the wind chill is getting to numbers I just don’t want to think about. I actually am to the point where I am feeling just awful for my girls when I let them out. Perdy runs out does her business and is back to the door in about 10 seconds. Poor Midnight is struggling as she’ll be 13 soon and just doesn’t move like she used to. By the time she gets back in these temps she is almost crying. I bring her in and rub her down and wrap her up to warm her up. Last winter when she was still up for long walks at night, I put her jacket on her to help keep her warmer. This winter she’s too sore. Poor thing.
Stay warm up there!!!!!!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
no clue if
this works, especially for an older dog who’s already set in her ways, but if it saves you $50-worth of guilt, it might be worth it.
That's something I'm keeping tagged.
For now my girls are making do but if things get any worst this will be worth a try for sure.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
I think poor Lou meant swap for the 64 F in San Fran . . .
but he had no idea we were takin’ him to the freeze zone.
Here in Golden BC Canada, it has warmed UP to 20 F, it was -10 F for a week there before Christmas.
Couldn't you have been a sweet gentleman and kept the ice cold temps up by you?
I mean really, you already had them so you’d be used to it. You didn’t need to share, well at least not this stuff. :-)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Indeed...
Those temperatures might be Going a Bit Far … seeing as how the coldest temperature that I have ever experienced was about -4C/25F… and my hands get cold whenever the temp drops under about 20C/68F, LOL.
Well, I survived today’s 41C/105F- thanks to the damp t-shirts that I stocked my freezer with last night! (no aircon, you see).
...you live in Golden....I love Golden!!
…I worked in the Patrol at Blackcomb for a few years and a mate of mine (Rumi Merali) used to take me Mountain Biking out there.
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
Anyone who reads this fanpost (not my comment)
give it a “rec” so that it will stay in the recommended fanposts for the entire race. Much appreciated.
....that was the plan, we told you....we're taking over for a week :-)
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
that's coo'
Lyne’s point was only this: Rather than adding on to this post forever and ever, you can start new ones along the way. That way, it doesn’t matter if this one falls off the front page of fan posts. No charge for starting a new thread. Do it early, do it often.
Also, do tell us all about the racing. We like racing.
As mentioned previously..
I will be logging for the Astana website whilst at the TDU..
Here is my first attempt –
Hope you enjoy..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
logging - hahaha- Blogging
see, thank god my work is getting Editor at the Astana end..
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Just read it-very nice!
You are indeed famous :-) You are going to write all about your ‘fainting’ episodes I hope? ;-)
Ohh definately the fainting eps will be in the blog, hehehe
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
Now remember CycleGirl
….not to flinch when I stick the big needle in you!! Then we can blame it on dehydration and I won’t have to get you psych assessed.
errrr....am i supposed to sign this??
Dehydration is a good one.
In Bourg d’Oisans last year I got really rather dehydrated standing in the blazing heat for like, hours, waiting for some cyclists to appear. I was also wearing clothing which was far too thick on account of it being freezing when I’d emerged from my tent on the Alpe at 6.30am. I only half faked a bit of a dizzy turn and all at once had a very very hot young gendarme very concerned for my welfare. Excellent result.
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