Tour de France 2012 Presentation LIVE
Time for the second 2012 Grand Tour presentation. We may already know the route but the all important fashion choices of those present are still a mystery.
Live video: 11:30 CEST (05:30 US EDT, 20:30 AUS EDT)
Video: Livestreaming worldwide via LeTour , cyclingfans
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season just finished
And I miss this a lot already. Morning everyone…!
Help PdC Club in STRAVA... Welcome Sid Snot from UK (22)
Who is going to take the 23 spot i n the team?
Who is going to take the 32 in the Club? 2011 meters: 868.411..! Only 131.589 to a MILLION...!
by pablo777 on Oct 18, 2011 5:13 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Let's hope that Tommy V. and the boys have a bit more style than the Giro guys.
Cav will be there…I’m not hopeful.. And whilst I’m sure Evans will wear a suit, I have my fingers crossed that it will be a nice one :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I bet this isn't what you were hoping for!
I'm starting to get tired of this long sig
PodiumCafe on Strava
Crazy
One can only respect this level of fangirlism!
I'm starting to get tired of this long sig
PodiumCafe on Strava
Hello hello! Have I missed anything?
I can’t watch but please DO screenshot all the bad fashion. I am depending on you.
It's pronounced "Int-CHOW-stie"
They're broadcasting the entire TdF from this year now
I'm starting to get tired of this long sig
PodiumCafe on Strava
I have no wish to see people crashing into spikey things now that I can tell you first hand it is not fun.
It's pronounced "Int-CHOW-stie"
Just checked Evans' Twitter. It looks like Cav may have done marginally better today.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Best I can do...very casual sweater/jumper, but at least it's a dark colour.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
That's the beauty of the sweater. He can just whip it off :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I was excited there for a second. I glimpsed riders.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Contador in a suit again. Good man!
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I don't know, but I'm confident Bert will be fine :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
And he'll get extra points for knowing how to dress.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I guess this is a bit like watching paint dry
When you already know how it will look like in the end
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
good point.
perhaps some of us are looking for a couple of surprises.
I know la Planche de Belles filles
It really is a very, very hard climb….looking forward to this stage.
I'm starting to get tired of this long sig
PodiumCafe on Strava
not bad
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
It looks very similar in profile and steepness to Marie Blanque.
Although Marie Blanque has a much tougher last two km.
J-Rod for the win,…. anyone…. anyone….. Bueller?
Well..... he's gotta race some Grand Tour(s) this year
and the Giro has quite a bit of TT’ing as well… although half is TTT, but, it’s not exactly a climber’s dream Grand Tour either.
Maybe it’s not going to be a great year for J-Rod.
Anyway, you have a good point, I was more just listing the first name that popped into mind when I thought explosive, short climb early in the race.
He should maybe make it his year to really push for an Ardennes win?
With BalaVerde perhaps not back at 100 % and a lot of riders season planning shifted due to the Olympics there may be an opening, he has already been there or thereabouts in L-B-L and he could one or two of those races with a little luck.
That combined with a Vuelta (for stages or GC depending on the course) and perhaps Worlds could be a smart priority?
Katusha is OK in the TTT
and the Giro is still very much a climbers race
"Weltmeister!!" Zwei mal: 2010-2011...und weiter gehts
St Quentin, what good do you think you do?
Do you think that I’ll be different when you’re through?
You bend my heart and mind and you warp my soul,
your stone walls turn my blood a little cold.
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
Johnny Cash in a TdF thread...so this is like being in St Quentin?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Stage 5
Rouen – Saint Quentin
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
by TheFigurehead on Oct 18, 2011 6:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Cows!
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
So is Andy wearing a suit?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Frank, stay away from the gel.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
I've decided I have a soft spot for Frank, Andy not so much.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
yeah, throwback stage.
But it’s downhill finish ….. Glandon/Croix de Fer + Madeleine are harder than Aubisque / Tourmalet. And my pick is only uphill finish on a brutal stage.
(that downhill finish in your pick is very untechnical/straight – will be fast).
So I think the door is wide open for health debate. :)
moo
Didn't see presentation
But stage 11 Croix de Fer must really be Col du Glandon then turn for last 2 kms for Croix de Fer ? To hit Mollard next, must be
moo
I think that has to be
otherwise, they’d go up the Croix de Fere from St-Jean-de-Maurienne, not from St-Etienne-des-Cuines.
I missed the early part, but no TTT this year?
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
Bah.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
So without a TTT might Voekler have won?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Samu is almost unrecognisable in his finery.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Look for the gold.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
See, that was the problem. I couldn't see any, and his hair is neatly parted on the side.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
That is odd. Perhaps Frank stole his hair gel.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
It has the whiff of a future combover.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Uh oh.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
There's a lot of bald/balding cyclists. Perhaps they could blame the helmets?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
So you and all your VDS team are hirsute?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I noted at Lombardia that it had got even longer at the back. Tell me it's not a mullet.
It's pronounced "Int-CHOW-stie"
No, it's not.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
He almost has a Veronica Lake bang ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Didn't he used to be hot?
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
I think he still is.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Cos he's awfully attractive...and the tennis needs to be overthrown.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
That explains that.
Could figure why he was there.
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis
Really? He may be the only person who ever made me want to peak at the tennis.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
yes
the women are crazy for him. Very nice guy too. My girlfriend has a story of him and her kid at a concert long ago.
He was a great performer at the tennis. He won hearts if not tournaments.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
definitely has a lot of charisma
and makes great music too. Family i believe was mainly musical rather than athletic.
So should I have been peeking or peaking after seeing Noah?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Depends on how attractive you found him.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
I suspect when i was younger I was doing both :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
And here was me thinking you were being as subtle as a brick.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Well, I am many things, but I'm confident I'm neither of those.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I appreciate it thanks ted.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Phew! Even phil looks good :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Cumberbund, black shirt, no tie...looks good?
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis
Please remember that whilst Phil might start ahead of the pack in a bike race, he is coming from a LONG way back,
and the fact that his attire didn’t make me snicker or raise my eyebrows is high praise indeed. I’m old: Contador and Evans look immaculate, the rest look fine, but Phil has to get extra marks for improvement. Have a look at the Flandrien of the Year fanpost or google his wedding. Today’s presentation was a far cry from those disasters.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
In Oz, we say 'scrubs up well' :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Perfect. It's when he tries colours that he loses it.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Don't like his shirt.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
i don't love it either, but after the Giro, he's looking good.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Voeckler. His shirt is an odd blue
with a grey suit, and he’s gone for the tieless look, but somehow the cut of the suit and shirt don’t work together without one.
It would be better to get the important stuff out of the way first. Such as: will your riders still wear scarves next year?--Gerard Vroomen
Teal blue...I can say that because um's not here to correct me ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Andy in a tie! Excellent.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
High praise in certain circles. How come Bert doesn't? Hair?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Where's Cav is my question.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I don't normally think of Cav as a slow learner.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
It's not looking likely any time soon.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
These people need to realize we want/need more riders and less dignitaries on camera
"...my reverse cyclelogy has paid off." -ant1
Hear hear.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
pfft, waste of a climb so far from the finish
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
Can't they just mount a camera on the ice cream truck?
"...my reverse cyclelogy has paid off." -ant1
For those that don't know Col du Mollard
here’s a Google Maps image of just part of it:

yep: hairpins galore
moo
I think I'm actually salivating over those switchbacks! Makes me happy (2012) but blue now.
Seems a tad cruel to do these route presentations just as the yawning maw of winter approaches.
Yes, I know, Cx.
Unfortunately, family issues have preempted my study of all amazing posts by gs, and I caught just the 1rst race (w/the house on course).
Missed last Falling leaves edition too, BAH!
well now.
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
by umwolverine on Oct 18, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
suits and dark jackets – always a safe choice
Is this someone else’s shadow?
they both have such natural looking smiles – not
I think it's Hoogerland's shadow
Spiky but not Franck
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis
Wow, that 1rst pic-who neutered the reliably questionable fashion of super Phil?
Anyone have more pics? I missed video and last I checked, not much on news sites…
I think it's Frank
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Or perhaps PhilGil...in fact that's the way I'm leaning after closer inspection.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Have to say the rider outfits are consistently awesome & horrible!
It would be hilarious post every once in a while…off-bike fashion choices of the pro peloton.
With special sub-sections on hair and accessories, of course.
Contador not in that photo
Yet he is in the others?
Bathroom break?
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis
Maybe the Peta is to blame...recall her World's outfit was interesting...
Guessing the new agent intervened after Giro ridiculousity
Well, from Culoz, they are doing the third hardest side* ……. which is only brutally hard. But the most scenic.
It’s the same side as in 2011 Tour de lain (assuming the Culoz on their profile is indeed the start).
*part of it’s local legend status is that there are nasty 4 ways up
moo
Dang you got the replies to work
So the same route as this years Ain, huh? It was plenty tough from where I was looking.
yeah
they skip the side with the 22% and full consecutive KMs at 13% & 15% …. but this side is no joke at all. Very pleased. And the small col de richemond after is lovely.
moo
Referred to elsewhere as a "big ring climb"
I’m hoping in vain they mean the big ring on the cassette. It would make me feel better about my non-existing climbing skills.
richemond?
Yeah, they’ll do the easy side and it’s not steep … flattens and even briefly downhills before the top.
Most of descent is through heavy woods, will be tricky
moo
I bet there's a plumber's crack at the bag too.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Agreed. That rise is verry short..
BTW, while I know you meant the back not the “bag,” that is hilarious :D
Oops! I didn't even notice...obviously, but I bet the plumber's crack would be very noticeable ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
cadel's tie needs straightening
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
by umwolverine on Oct 18, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Who is that in the shiny suit?
L’Alpe winner Rolland?
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis
What's Alberto weight? 135 pounds?
He gets away with it quite well without looking like a skeleton. And from the comments above… I like Tommy V’s blue shirt actually. It’s kind of pathetic I’m even commenting on this.
Message to the climbers: Ride to win next year. Attack from far out
and at every opportunity. Then the GC race could open up and we will have a great show.
Yes, yes, yes! Those climbs 30k+ from finish can determine GC if raced!
Andy’s famous whine about dangerous descents has surely placed them firmly w/TTs on the “How to beat Andy” list.
We’re the lucky viewers who get to watch the fun.
Fun please, just no carnage.
My 2 cents:
Even if not too many mountain top finishes, the hill stages look fun. I feel better than I did after the route leaks last week.
Of course, for me a big highlight is Col du Grand Colombier which I wrote about as one of the top climbs in France ignored by the Tour. It’s a worthy addition.
The Pyrénées and Alps each have a truly giant stage. The Vosges stage sounds intriguing and hey: “Belles Filles” means “Beautiful Girls” – which is nice. They don’t get to the Vosges often enough.
Close to me Col du Granier is probably one of the two steep east sides and a nice climb, as is Grand Cucheron – even if both wasted early. The Swiss Juras will be fun …. although they ignore dozens of higher brilliant climbs …. it’s a nice area.
Overall satisfied with the mountain stages
moo
if it's good enough for Will, it's good enough for me
I picked Riccardo Ricco for my 2011 VDS team, and submitted said team well before the submission deadline. I fully understand the error of my ways, and plead with the VDS Gods to allow me to resubmit my team.
by PopUp Rolen on Oct 18, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I picked Riccardo Ricco for my 2011 VDS team, and submitted said team well before the submission deadline. I fully understand the error of my ways, and plead with the VDS Gods to allow me to resubmit my team.
by PopUp Rolen on Oct 18, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
To quote my own tweet:
Best named climb in 2011 TdF? Stage 8: Cote du Passage de la Douleur. The Passage of Pain!
moo
I thought 'douluer' was sadness, but maybe in Latin? I have someone who'll answer this very quickly :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Thanks Will.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Here are all the profiles together
Somehow I still can’t see the individual profiles for the later stages…
http://www.letour.fr/2012/TDF/COURSE/fr/les_sommets_du_tour.html
Hmm
ya know, it’s not terrible. Schlecks are still royally fucked though. They can’t descend and have just two MTF to make up the 6 minutes they will lose(OK, 8 for Frank) in the ITT.
"Weltmeister!!" Zwei mal: 2010-2011...und weiter gehts
Cadel, Wiggins, Bert(not ideal but it eliminates his biggest climbing rival)
"Weltmeister!!" Zwei mal: 2010-2011...und weiter gehts
Contador for sure
The ITTs are Bert’s insurance policy against an off day on a mountain-top finish.
Cadel, if he has the same form as 2010. But 2009 Bert > 2010 Cadel.
The “medium” up and down mountain stages are all targets for Gilbert if he rides the TdF, and also for guys like Rolland. I think Rolland is a couple years away, if ever, from having the time trial prowess to be a GC contender, so he’ll be stage hunting assuming his team gives him the freedom to do that.
MJB
+2
I think AC’s gotta be licking his chops over this course. No TTT but plenty of ITT kms. If AC shows up at the Tour next year with anything approaching the form that he showed up with at the Giro this year, he’s going to be awfully tough to beat…
Why is the Tour labeling the medium mountain days as accidents?
as in “oops, couldn’t quite plop in a big mountain but couldn’t make it flat…our bad”. Silliness
"Weltmeister!!" Zwei mal: 2010-2011...und weiter gehts
Fucking gnomes
but I like it better to consider them accidents
"Weltmeister!!" Zwei mal: 2010-2011...und weiter gehts
in luxembourgese
All descents mean accidents
moo
by Willj on Oct 18, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
That actually made me LOL
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the Flag and carrying the Cross."
--Sinclair Lewis
Even more profiles (including the Boulogne stage) from velochrono.fr
http://www.velochrono.fr/actu/2011/le-tour-2012-en-profils/
Pour les francophones, je recommande chaudement ce site !
But will Saur get an invite ?
They didn’t really boost their chances this year. Wit such a thin squad they had no ace in their pocket when Coppel got injured.
Here’s what Coppel said in the interview:
“Non, non. On est tributaire d’une invitation. Mais je pense qu’avec la performance que l’on a signé en juillet dernier pour notre premier Tour, on s’en est bien sorti. Maintenant, à nous aussi de bien marcher en début d’année pour prouver que l’on a notre place.”
“No, No (I m a great translator), We are dependent on an invitation. But, I think with the performance have made last July for our First Tour, we are well on our way. Now, it’s up to us to do well at the beginning of the year to prove that we have a place. "
moo
Huh
so they go up the Peyresourde twice (in stages 16 & 17)? That’s cool; one of my favorite climbs.
Not especially
I just like the way the scenery looks, particularly when they climb from Bagneres de Luchon
yep, agree with you
15 peaks above 3000 metres over Bagnères de Luchon. Did you visit Superbagnères? Amazing.
moo

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