Le Tour '07: Stage 5 Live!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 3:03 AM EDT in News

Well now... there are a number of theories as to how this stage shapes up. The course features eight climbs, half in the cat-4 category, three cat-3s and a cat-2. By Koppenberg's point system Update [2007-7-12 10:15:35 by chris]: which may be wrong, there are some 70 KOM points at issue today. So the going theory this week has been that either Michael Rasmussen (~:>) or one of his challengers will come out flying early on. We could even see a real mano-a-mano battle for the maillot pois, which would be a refreshing change.

HIstory is a little mixed on this point. Last year there were no truly comparable stages, but the closest early KOM points bonanza was a stage in which Jerome Pineau took off and got hold of the jersey. He wound up 30th in the final KOM points and was nowhere to be seen when Rasmussen went on his annual romp. However, two years ago the Tour came by this region of France late in the first week, and then the results were more telling. On stage 8 along the western border of Germany into Alsace France (sic?), Rasmussen emerged to win three cat-3 climbs and take third on the finishing cat-2 hill. The next day, clad in polka dots, Rasmussen left early and stayed away all day, winning a truly beautiful stage over some of the Tour's historic early climbs. The KOM points were huge: four cat-3s, a cat-2 and a cat-1.

So by this guide, it's not inconceivable that today's cache of KOM points could tempt ~:> out of his shell. Or one of his rivals. Or both. There are bigger points days ahead on the major climbs of the Tour, but for spotty jersey hunters, there are no better days to get away without the GC guys following.

A second theory, the one the Tour wants you to believe, is that today's stage will be a battle of the Classics champions. The 8 categorized climbs will presumably remind them of April in Belgium, or October in Milan? Anyway, the thought of a leading peloton including O'Grady, Cancellara, Boonen, Ballan, Hincapie, Nuyens, and so forth is indeed delicious, but the Tour doesn't ever really work that way. So file this away in "flights of fancy."

A third possibility will be a relatively anonymous breakaway that's left to stay away. My hunch is the KOM fight will begin, but the bland door #3 is runner-up. One thing I really don't expect is a bunch sprint. Have fun, I plan to join early.

Tweet Comment 275 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Three On The Attack

At the 19km mark, three riders launched an attack. The men involved are Chavanel (COF), Bonnet (C.A) and Cheula (BAR). They are now 30" ahead of the peloton.

by lucybears on Jul 12, 2007 7:35 AM EDT reply actions

Current situation

Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis), William Bonnet (Crédit Agricole) and Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux)
Giampaolo Cheula (Barloworld) at 0.20
Peloton at 1.00

by lucybears on Jul 12, 2007 7:39 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like Di Gregario is out

CN reports a broken elbow. Sorry to hear that.

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 8:20 AM EDT reply actions

Yep, Sherwen

really doesn't know anything about heart rate monitoring.

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions

that's because

in the gold mines, if you want to know what a heart is doing, you dig it out with a knife! Dum de dum dum dum.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Gap 10:17 now, 113.5k to go/

70.4 mi. 35,8kph avg. Already over the first 2 Cat 4 climbs and the first Cat 3 climb. CSC is not on the front, P&P say that Kim Anderson made it plain this morning that the would not defend the jersey.

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply actions

Watching the Tour with Toto

http://www.velocitynation.com/pictures/image/tturns49.jpg

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 8:57 AM EDT reply actions

Gap 8:23, 102.1k to go/83.4mi

Brett Lancaster just abandoned, suffering from stomach illness.

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 9:07 AM EDT reply actions

Iban Mayo falls

5 S-D's fall back to pace him. Looks like he's their leader this year

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

yes, that's a

good observation... the team itself has been adjusting everyones expectations of Mayo ... just another rider on the team ... thinking that he may ride better without all the media pressure to perform as he did a few years ago.

-- but, the tell is in the way the riders have protected their leader.

by orangekick on Jul 12, 2007 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

There's a mixture of teams chasing

the breakaway, no doubt worried by Chavenel's presence: MRM, Cd'E, LIQ, DSC, all have men at the front. Gap is shrinking very quickly: 7:08 with 91k to go/58.4mi. Climbing the next Cat 4 climb. Chavenel's in the KOM jersey lead, taking it over from teammate OJ.

Beautiful, wooded countryside, and the weather looks fantastic, plenty of sunshine.

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

VS. stream seems to be dead

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

Errgh!

Sometimes being an American cycling fan is sooo not fun :-(

cyclingfans has a good rant about Vs.

They have also found us an alternative. Yay!!

Dutch commentary, not the fastest, but it is stream :-)))

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

37.2kph avg so far, Gap down to

6:10 with 85.1k/52.9mi to go. Cat 3 climb coming up. Chavenel cramping up a little bit, back to see the travelling Dr on a moto! Got a pill, and he's back to the front.

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

Cote de St Maurice...

There's a Saint Maurice?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

famous french dude who sang about little girls

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions

So

Morning all... I guess this is falling into the "random breakaway" category, not quite anonymous with Chavanel and Gilbert there. I wonder if Rasmussen will try for points on the cat-2 climb? With Chavanel hurting they may not stay away another 30km.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

Kloden's Gone Down!!

by Chilltown on Jul 12, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions

Kloden looked hurt, but he's back on his bike.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions

Astana's

Andreas Kloeden has suffered a suspected fracture of the coccyx following a crash in stage five of the Tour de France. It is now doubtful whether Kloeden will start stage six on Friday.

by lucybears on Jul 12, 2007 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Astana is not helping him get back

only the teammate that crashed with him.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

Great Astana have no one back for him

writing on the wall

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

Kloden down!

back up

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

The cracks begin to appear... I love the TdF!

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 9:54 AM EDT reply actions

re Kloden crash

Vino ensuring everyone knows who's boss?

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions

paulo is now helping

kloden get back liquigas is hammering. kloden is just hooking back up now.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions

did Astana #199

jump out of the team car?

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Salvodelli drops back for Kloden

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

I think this German TV stream

is behind everyone else's

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

nonetheless

I'll check it out in case Vs. takes one of their 6 minute commercials during the cat 2 climb.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Race director looking at Klodi like...

...WTF?

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

Back in the cars... excitement over

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

So

I've got my coffee now. Anything happening?

d'oh!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

Klodi to Porte

"Got any whiskey?"

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

time for a free ride

from the race doctor. Yout gotta milk that for all you can

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

10km to the summit

Phil and Paul had been saying how the GC guys would hit this climb, but they seem to be hedging now.

Did anyone else feel briefly concerned by the trivia question which began with "Jonathan Boyer was the first American to ride the Tour"? For a moment I thought it would be a "where are they now" segment.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

Different day

Yesterday I was watching thinking I could sit on the back of the peloton, even this year w/o training much. Today... not for a second.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Were you

in a heavy ether haze yesterday?

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, yes

But they were doing 22mph for a while. You wouldn't even need to pedal at that speed.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

How many aircraft engineers

does it take to found a car company?

Yearlong VDS Team: The Fighting Cocks - Tour only VDS Team: The Super Domestiques - Rah!

by bethie on Jul 12, 2007 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

16

Apparently

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Probably only need 12

rocket scientists.

Yearlong VDS Team: The Fighting Cocks - Tour only VDS Team: The Super Domestiques - Rah!

by bethie on Jul 12, 2007 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

If you break it down like that

it doesn't seem like a good thing that it takes 16.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

good link

the 'NOS' link at the bottom of cycling fans is very good quality. break is 2:49 - working well together. Vs., as predicted, is in the middle of an endless commercial.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

A bit jumpy for me

But better than nothing

And waaay better coverage than Vs...

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

break is down to 3

not sure who dropped. Chavenal is still there.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

break of 4 together

back together again. 2:04

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:26 AM EDT reply actions

Chavenal and Gilbert

break away

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Thor is off the back

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

Thor SMASHING the back door

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

I like the rant at Cyclingfans.com

And I see they picked up on my Slingbox idea :)

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

yes, i like it too

has me looking at slingbox too

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

That would so rock

If someone would slingbox it from Europe!!!

Likey the rant.

I want my streaming vid <<drums heels on floor>>

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

It definitely works

And I can't imagine it would be too hard to find a Euro-based sports fan who would trade access to his/her own box for access to yours. The only trick is to hook up with someone who has a reliably decent upstream (and since broadband is much better in Europe . . .). If anyone wants to try before they buy, drop me a note via email, and I'll send you the ID for my Slingbox (but don't expect to try it when VS is showing the Tour live - a friend has laid claim to it for that, and he's a little territorial :)).

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Thor

falling back. Those stomach problems are for real, apparently. Let's see, Bennati hurt, Kloden on the tarmac, thor sick. My VDS team is now renamed the Voodoo Dolls.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

Pitti and OP at the back

just chasing - one of them must have had a mechanical.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Now CdE got issues

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Gilbert

How long is he going to milk that Het Volk result? Yo, it's not that big a race. Actually, I thought he rode aggressively when he was around this spring, but no progress.

Valverde and Pereiro dangling off the back! Is Oscar dumping time?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

Valverde sighting

he is riding the Tour

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

And he's

not hurt.

1km for the leaders. Is Gilbert challenging Chav? What exactly is in it for him?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

different from the Giro

not as interesting - the peloton tore itself apart on stages like this.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

GC staredown

More teams "saving" it for GC in the Tour than the Giro.

There's always guys in the Giro willing to make a one-day race of it. That, and Diluca was riding super aggressively every day in the early stages against the possibility of big moves from the climbers (which never really came.) The Tour seems to impose a degree of conservatism on the tactics.

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

And

There may have been more to be gained in the middlin Giro stages. As we saw, that's where DiLuca won the race, though I never would have expected him to.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Good point

The monster time trials in this race encourage more conservative tactics, I'm thinking. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing someone go after it a la Diluca. That was fun racing to watch.

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Gilbert leading down

Chavenal had a bad crash a year or so ago descending in the Tour. He went into a concrete barrier.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions

VS. technicians are scrambling

to find that crash as we speak

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I recall that, looked bad

but he kept riding.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

(Pops her head in)

Hi, at work, no access to video, what's going on in the race?

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

Oh nothing

Kloden went down, and Pereiro and Valverde dropped off the back, but all for not.

They did the big climb, and Chavanel got all the points. Gilbert is still with him. Maybe 2' or so lead.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

oh yeah,

and sastre is getting dropped

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Now Sastre is off with no help!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

One of these days it has to work

for Chavanel.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply actions

Carlos among the cars

after a flat?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

Chavanel takes the sprint points

Thor jealous. Will SMASH him later.

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

You mean

Gilbert. And the 800 Euros.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Now Ete off the back

Gilbert continues to slay it

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

Carlos gets a power bottle

flats all over the place! Is the road paved with nails?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

zabel is still there

had a mechanical, getting pushed back on next to sastre

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

milram pacing zabel back

NOS tv is about 2 minutes slower

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Wierd, huh

Like being in a time warp ;-)

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Chavanel and Gilbert Grape

really going for it.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Chavanel into yellow?

He started the day only 44 seconds down on Tony. Anybody know how many seconds he picked up at the first two sprint points?

If he won the stage, he'd be awfully close.

When's the last time we saw a French rider in the yellow jersey? Voeckler in 2004, I'm thinking.

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

Dessel

last year. Granted it was only a day or so, but . . .

by R Mc on Jul 12, 2007 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Confusion

Didn't GIlbert win all the sprints? And Chavanel the mountain points? So Gilbert should be getting the time bonuses.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

P.s.

Gilbert started 1.06 down.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

time bonuses

Aren't there bonuses for the first three places at each sprint point? Or, is that only at the finish?

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought

it was only the weener at the intermediates who got time bonus, but could be so wrong about that

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions

He has to have gotten back at least 8 seconds

He got 2 each on each of the first two sprints, and he had to have gotten at least 4 on the last sprint, but I don't know if he came in first or second. So, at the moment, he's either 34 or 36 seconds back in the GC...

by Le Comte on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Oops

Phil just called Gilbert French. 30km to go, 1.48 gap.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

Ouch

And Belgium weeps

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Or

Flanders chuckles.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

snicker

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Shut up Flanders

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

Vino down

wonder if Kloden will come back?

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

badly bruised...

by orangekick on Jul 12, 2007 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Finale

Now Robbie Ventura is telling us the final climb, ending 8km from the end, is where the stage will be won. It's a nosedive down to the end, and a twisty uphill final km.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Kloden gets Vino back,

emphasizing his being in charge.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

yup,

he's the man.

by orangekick on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

In some ways

that might be kinda the biggest news of the day. If Kloden's definitely loyal to Vino, it seems to me it'll be awfully tough to beat Vino...

by Le Comte on Jul 12, 2007 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Vino Down!

Nice shot of his posterior by Versus, too (shorts ripped).

by Chilltown on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Motorcycle is broken

replacing the valve cover Vino's right hip is road rashed.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

VINO!

WTF? Looks minor, but is Astana riding under a curse? He's missing a chunk of clothing and a bit of skin too. Colom is with him, but they'll need a few more guys.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Bad day for the big stars

Vino, Kloden, Valverde, OP, Sastre, Zabel. That's a lot of big names off the back for various mechanicals and crashes.

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

6 astanas back

Kloden didn't come back

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

A TTT, indeed

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

7-man escort

Only Kloden is left in the pack. THey're TTT'ing him back now.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Har! TTT for Vino

but they give Kloden just one helper when he crashed

by hughw on Jul 12, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

That is something, though

Kloden gets no help, and Vino takes everyone but him . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Yup

Message received. Of course, Kloden might not have needed it quite as badly, being much further from the finish. Vino is in real difficulty, he could lose time if they don't get back quickly.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

In fairness Kloden was a lot farhter

from the finish

by hughw on Jul 12, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh. You said that.

by hughw on Jul 12, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

CSC and Liquigas on the front

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Van Summer Ale!

sitting in on the Astana train. How much will they offer him to help? Can't think of a better guy.

CSC working the front with Liquigas.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Is CSC trying to put some distance

between the pack and Vino? They've got plausible deniability, but...

by hughw on Jul 12, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe

trying to take the team lead

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Is Thor still smashing the autobus?

or did he catch the peloton? There's still a chance for a mass sprint.

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Hey now!

If anything, Thor is smashing his intestines.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

meanwhile, the shadow of a guy

(looking strikingly similar to a former 7-time TdF champ)is seen darting in the shadows of the trees along the road with what looks to be a bag of nails.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Cut to Johan

knocking over a powder blue doll on a bike.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

angry peloton

astana looks to be 30 seconds back. CSC and Liqui still hammering at the front, 2 each. 1:05 to break.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

1:20

for Vino on the main field

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

Astana

isn't even in the caravan yet.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

CN

is saying that Kloden is back with Vino (Kash is in the peleton) and that they are 1.20 back

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

VS-speak

189 of the world's best cyclists come to france for one reason. To sprint, climb, sweat, bleed, fight to be the one champion.

Is this a Monty Python skit? Our two greatest weapons are fear, surprise, ruthlessness - Our three greatest weapons...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

it wouldn't be a surprise

if they said there were 3 weapons.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I've noticed that, too

I guess you don't concern yourself with such details when bull wrestling is your bread and butter.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

And

threatening bloggers

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

cars were pulled out

temporarily - the cars are coming back so Astana should be able to get back now.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Keep the details coming

No feed for me today.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Vino 2 min off the back

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

According to Phil

Astana losing ground on the chase. And in what can only be described as the Tour's Revenge, they've pulled out the team cars (normally left so riders can ride in their slipstream) in front of Astana.

Would we be seeing the same action if it was a French team?

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

peloton

riding away frm Vino? So says Phil but I don't see any numbers.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Astana riders blowing ya hoooooooo!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

Rast is dropped

gap at 1:50
Gilbert goes again
whos pulling the peloton?

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Shrinkage

Gap to the break at :44

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

Catch imminent

of the "two Frenchmen" Gilbert and Chavanel. Chav won't get the final climb points.

Vino 2' down!!! Holy freaking sheit... Will they ride for Kloden after today? Vino could be hurting. Wow, very dramatic, but a crappy thing to wish on any rider, even one I don't root for and didn't pay 22 points for.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

I wonder if

Vino would make the decision in time for it to help Kloden, or if he'd spend a stage or three in denial . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Kloden there too

according to CN

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd love to see these two make it.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Gap to Vino

holding at 1.20

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

ouch

Vino might want to ride defense than bust his team getting back on.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Astana

is taking this all-for-one thing a bit too far if they've got Kloden back there losing time to pace an injured Vino. Kloden should be up in the peloton putting plan B into effect.

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

wait

Kloden's not back there. Is he?

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

apparently not

cyclingnews live report says he's back there, but Phil and Paul say no.

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Kloden left in peleton...

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Will Disco drill it?

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

Shades of Mayo and

2004 in Belgium all over again.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

1:45

Gap from Vino to the main field

Chav has about :35

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

Vino's gap??

I'm not convinced they're 2' down. Vino coming past the autobus.

I wonder where Boonen is. If he's hung on to the field, he could get some serious freebie points.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

Wegmann attacks!

What the hey. Bad news for Vino, might get the field moving again.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

Predictions??

Who will attack off this climb for the stage.

Bit of a pipe dream...but I'd love to see Schleck take off

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

How mahy K to go?

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

11.5k

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Tony still up there!

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Gap at 0.14

Chav might get the points, though there's 3km to go.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

about 13k to go

by hughw on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

What Does Vino Look Like?

Any real injury? Is he struggling?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

hard to say

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

It looks like a pretty hard hit

He was definitely winded for a for a bit, and his ass is scraped all to hell, and he's bleeding from the elbow.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Ripped shorts,

And some road rash.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Gilbert pops

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Rabo to the front

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Wegmann caught

CHICKEN!!

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

Rabo on front

Pulling hard at the front of the peleton, presumably Friere is in there somewhere...

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

11K to go

Chavenal and Gilbert are done. Rabo is chasing...odd.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

If Astana loses one minute or less

that would be pretty good damage control. Especially for Klöden, who had a cushion of 30 seconds or so on most of the GC contenders.

by socal @ Podium Cafe on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

Rabo

reels in Wegmann. They want to thwart Chav, it appears. Riding for Rasmussen. What a great use of resources. Gilbert pops. And France weeps... until they remember he's Belgian.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

All the Astana , save Maxim, are blown

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

I guess Kessler

used up all the testosterone. (snark)

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Freire

Hm... stage winner??

Chavanel is now... caught.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

nice attempt to draft the cars :)

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Vino....

His team is gone sans one, and he's in the team cars -- don't know how far back.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Vino

down to his last helper. Where are they??

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Kolbo counters

as Chav is caught
Vino blows by Thor
(note to self: SMASH Vino later)

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Damn team car is pacing Vino as Iglinsky blows

BOOOOOOOOOOOO!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Watch Vino win the stage

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

adrenaline is cool

think Lance's win after the musette crash

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Vino Alone

He's behind his own team car. Still not time check

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

Vino update

in the cars, might get a small penalty for drafting the cars. Looks like he might catch on tho.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Vino being paced by his car

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

Why risk it with these stupid car tricks?

The whole world is watching, boys. Jesus.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Robo continues to drill it

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

I"m guessing

45 sec to a minute behind for Vino at the 10K flag.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Vino still

in trouble. He hit the 10km mark when the peloton hit 9.3. Not an insignificant gap. How are his descending skills?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Ugh

SD kit sighting

What were they thinking?!

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

Thrilling

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

Boonen locks onto Vino

they're maybe 45 seconds back.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

disco counters

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Cancellara patrolling

the front. Very Patron-like.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Cance is riding great!!

He is going to keep the jersey for another day.

Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 12, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Yaro-pop?

Lampre pulling now. FOr whom? Ballan? Unibrow is long gone.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

POPO!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

green disco pops off the front

vino and tom b still chasing

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Disco Leading

May be YaroPop.

Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

really really cool action!

I love a twisty descent. Except when IO have to ride it.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Chasing Group

Vino chasing, but with help -- Boonen and a few others all working to get back on.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

descent is twisty

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Vino 56 seconds back!

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Hasn't

Popo already won a stage like this earlier this year?

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Paris-Nice

maybe?

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions

5k to go

scary descent

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Yaro-pop?

No Falcon.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

Cance chasing!!

Good god. He's the new Hinault.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

All that Rabo work at the front

was that just for ~:> to take third place on the climb? Niiiiiice.

by socal @ Podium Cafe on Jul 12, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

I guess we know who they are

riding for. Well, I guess kicking Vino in the balls is a good side effect of that effort.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

RAd!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

Cance into the grass!!

Popo too!! Everyone upright, still going, helluva corner though.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

Doh

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

Holy Crap

Cancellara off the road on a turn, but back on. Vino still behind, but getting help. This is crazy shit.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

FYI: drafting cars tolerated after crashing

not sure what the actual rules say, but it doesn't seem to be a problem

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

Who's Lampre working so hard for?

Ballan, Bennati?

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Ballan I think

I'm not lucky enough for it to be Benna.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Boonen leading

the chase! It's April riding after all.

Lampre leading, though I think POpo is still just ahead maybe??

3km to go. Descent is over. All together except for the Vino group.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Vino Update???

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Vino 1K behind

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Hincapie up there

without the big sprinters, he has a chance, maybe?

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

that would be nice.

Really.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Millar

and a Beetle attack. Small gap, and as usual it's Cancellara chasing.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

Millar??

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

1.5km!!

Great excitement today!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

1km

And Lamore about to catch em

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Vino going to lose time

Probably around a minute.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Freire around??

If he is, it's so over.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Is Yaropop still out front?

Sometimes you have to give luck a kick in the balls. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher ('07 Tour of CA)

by Ruthann on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Millar makes a bid 2 k out

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Freire jumps,

Zabel with him.

Pippo!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Confusing sprint...

Pozzato?

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

huh

Pozzato takes it.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Pipo called it!

Great stage, wow!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

He said he'd win

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Vino loses...

1:20....

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
We're not one of the other VDS teams

by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Vino coming in

about a minute down.

1.18 down.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

Too bad for Vino this wasn't the Tour of Calif.

If it was, they might have neutralized the stage from the point of his crash.

;)

by socal @ Podium Cafe on Jul 12, 2007 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL

We're not going to let them live that one down too soon.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

No way! 78kph finish?!!

by hughw on Jul 12, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

78 kph sprint? that's just not fair.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Top three

Pippo
Freire
Unibrow

Eisel or Kirchen 4th?

Not sure where Zabel was (5th?), but he could be in Green tonight. Some people (Pete) will be happy @ that, but not me.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

That will put Oscar

right back into the thick of the fight for Green. Imagine, 6 riders all within spitting distance of each other. Faaaaaaaaaantastic!

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Hincapie 6th

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Bennati

not unibrow in 3rd

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

He lives!

Good to see Benna back at the front.

He crashed somewhere along the way - stage 1, maybe - and has been hiding ever since.

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

And

there was much rejoicing!

I was wondering, how could Napo rejoin the field in a race like this?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

great finale

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

Phil said Napolitano

but it looked like Bennati in third. If so, I may be moving out of last place in the Tour VDS!

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

Schumacher in 8th!

My Tour VDS team is finally coming alive.

Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Susie Hartigan on Jul 12, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

ONly the VDS

gets you headlines like "Schumacher 8th!!!"

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

So everyone who was predicting Vino

would have one bad stage, as per his history, seems to have been spot-on. Will there be any more? He's going to have to burn more matches to catch up (and take more risks), which, IMHO, doesn't bode well for his overall chances.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

And that's

before his penalty for drafting. I don't think the race jury can ignore that.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

On the other hand, it does bode well

for us fans as you know he's going to light up the peloton with some crazy ass attacks once those scabs and bruises start to heal.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely

Leipheimer, Sastre, Valverde, and Evans will have to choose between letting Vino get away or acting as Kloeden's personal domestiques.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 12, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought he'd lose time on Stage 7

Not in a crash.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I know the predictions

were based on his untimely attacking style. Wasn't thinking of that; just that everyone predicted he'd have a bad stage. What was the cause of his crash? Bad luck? Inattentiveness?

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I was elliptical...

I think he'll lose time in standard Vino style on stage 7 also! Turfing it today might put a big boat anchor on his chances.

I wasn't able to watch the feed today. I'm surprised he crashed.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't give it away

CSC keeps the jersey, despite their best efforts to off it.

Vino looks not so bueno in the replays there.

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply actions

Cutey

Pozzato ready for podium time :-)

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

Green jersey

to Zabel by maybe 10 points?

Hopefully Boonen or Thor will crush tomorrow. I really, really don't want Zabel to win the thing after taking out half the field on stage 2. I know, that's cycling, but it was a sucky crash, and Zabel's fault.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

That's a little harsh

You think he did it on purpose?

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

No

but he's still profiting from circumstances he had a pretty big hand in.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

By that logic...

You must REALLY hate McEwen, Brown, Cooke and pretty much every Aussie sprinter ever to ride at the top level. They ride rough & tumble argy bargy and if you can't handle that, stay out of the sprints.

Crashes happen when you put a large number of cyclists on a small road at high speed.

I'd LOVE to hate Wegmann forever for riding Bettini off the road into a fence-post earlier this year, but that's just what happens at high speeds.

Zabel has been riding for years and has earned his reputation as a gentleman who plays fair. I just can't see my way clear to punish him when every other sprinter in the race has done the same at some point in their careers. It is just what happens in the sprint.

The other sprinters take what happened in stride with stoic grace. Otherwise they end up looking like a petty little cry-baby who doesn't know how to handle themselves at a professional level. (Yes, I'm referring to you, Baden Cook!)

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 12, 2007 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Well now, candor or no

I'm not willing to let Il Grillo Diabolico off that easy. Bettini put Cooke into the barriers intentionally in order to prevent Cooke from coming around him within spitting distance to the line.

That is not at all what happened with Boonen, Zabel and Quniziato et.al.

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 12, 2007 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

No denying

that is almost exactly what happened.

Grillo did not put Cooke into the barriers, Cooke chose to ride into a gap that did not exist because Bettini illegally shut the door on him.

Paolo's not innocent, but shutting off a gap by shifting a line happens nearly every single sprint stage. Watch the stage prior to that one, where Di Luca won. You'll see the exact same move happen: Danilo closed the door, then Paolo sat up and took it like a man and a professional.

I don't deny Baden got screwed, I fault him for not taking his screwing like a man. It is sprinting, everyone gets screwed. Did Boonen cause a crash when he was forced off his train yesterday? Stuff happens in sprinting, if it is bad enough, the judges will make a ruling. Otherwise, act like a professional.

I know I make this same argument every GT, and I not going to convince anyone, but after reading how the other sprinters (non-Aussie) responded, they all said the same thing: "Baden needs to grow up and act like a professional, that move happens every single sprint, but only Baden was dumb/desperate enough to cause a crash out of it."

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 12, 2007 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

You've convinced me

The non-aussie comments clinched it.

Now, let's drop the whole topic of man screwing so I don't have visions of American History X running through my head for the rest of the day.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

This is beneath you

If the same thing had happened to Boonen you wouldn't be taking this stance. I think there may be a huge CP heading your way in August, courtesy of your brother. I plan to get it on film.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not so down on Zabel

at least not for the crash. He got into Boonen's wheel and Quinziato got into his and went down.

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you EGoat

Your candor is most refreshing.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

When you've been

involved in about a two thousand bunch sprints
and the number of crashes you caused can be counted on one hand, you more than earn a pass.

Vlaenderen die Leu

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

I feel like I just got sandblasted. I know he doesn't go around crashing guys, I just think it sucks to be Thor or whomever to be looking up the standings at Zabel when you'd be on top but for his error.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 12, 2007 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

He's been as consistent or more so

than anyone else. Crash aside, he deserves to be where he is.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Screw my VDS,

I love seeing Fabulous Fabian continue to win.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

(nodding)

I don't think I have much of a chance to contend for the overall even if my main two guys (Kloden and Evans) come through, but that's alright. If every stage can be exciting I'll totally settle for that.

For a stage that was supposed to be meh for most of the peleton, it sure turned out to be a barn burner.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

clarification please

guess i'm still not too "inside baseball" yet; is "meh" an acronym i should know by now?

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

dull, unexciting, not to be worried about, so so

take your pick.

"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too

Crazy talent.

Very fun to watch :-)

by Jen See on Jul 12, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Geoffroy Lequatre

If anyone is still reading this, Geoffroy Lequatre has just rolled over the line in his bike, with a bandage on his elbow. I hope that the organisers don't decide after that that he has missed the time cut off because he looks absolutely knackered.

by Monty. on Jul 12, 2007 12:26 PM EDT reply actions