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Le Tour '07: Stage 5 Live!

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.

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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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep, Sherwen
really doesn't know anything about heart rate monitoring.  

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 gavia on Jul 12, 2007 10:06 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 9:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

re Kloden crash
Vino ensuring everyone knows who's boss?

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

I think this German TV stream
is behind everyone else's

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 9:57 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

So
I've got my coffee now. Anything happening?

d'oh!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:30 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

A bit jumpy for me
But better than nothing

And waaay better coverage than Vs...

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 10:36 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

break is down to 3
not sure who dropped. Chavenal is still there.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

yes, i like it too
has me looking at slingbox too

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 10:35 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would so rock
If someone would slingbox it from Europe!!!

Likey the rant.

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

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 10:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Valverde sighting
he is riding the Tour

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 gavia on Jul 12, 2007 10:40 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:46 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 gavia on Jul 12, 2007 10:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

(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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh yeah,
and sastre is getting dropped

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:50 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chavanel takes the sprint points
Thor jealous.  Will SMASH him later.

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You mean
Gilbert. And the 800 Euros.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 10:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now Ete off the back
Gilbert continues to slay it

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

milram pacing zabel back
NOS tv is about 2 minutes slower

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wierd, huh
Like being in a time warp ;-)

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by R Mc on Jul 12, 2007 10:58 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 10:59 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

P.s.
Gilbert started 1.06 down.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:01 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:02 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:03 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oops
Phil just called Gilbert French. 30km to go, 1.48 gap.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or
Flanders chuckles.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:00 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kloden gets Vino back,
emphasizing his being in charge.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chilltown on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

6 astanas back
Kloden didn't come back

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:09 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe
trying to take the team lead

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:10 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey now!
If anything, Thor is smashing his intestines.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:10 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Cut to Johan
knocking over a powder blue doll on a bike.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:11 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

1:20
for Vino on the main field

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Astana
isn't even in the caravan yet.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And
threatening bloggers
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 1:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

peloton
riding away frm Vino? So says Phil but I don't see any numbers.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shrinkage
Gap to the break at :44

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wait
Kloden's not back there. Is he?

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:19 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1:45
Gap from Vino to the main field

Chav has about :35

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wegmann attacks!
What the hey. Bad news for Vino, might get the field moving again.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Gap at 0.14
Chav might get the points, though there's 3km to go.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What Does Vino Look Like?
Any real injury? Is he struggling?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 12, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ripped shorts,
And some road rash.

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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

11K to go
Chavenal and Gilbert are done. Rabo is chasing...odd.

by 12string on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Freire
Hm... stage winner??

Chavanel is now... caught.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino
down to his last helper. Where are they??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I"m guessing
45 sec to a minute behind for Vino at the 10K flag.

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ugh
SD kit sighting

What were they thinking?!

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boonen locks onto Vino
they're maybe 45 seconds back.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cancellara patrolling
the front. Very Patron-like.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Yaro-pop?
Lampre pulling now. FOr whom? Ballan? Unibrow is long gone.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disco Leading
May be YaroPop.
Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

really really cool action!
I love a twisty descent. Except when IO have to ride it.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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:
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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino 56 seconds back!
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hasn't
Popo already won a stage like this earlier this year?

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yaro-pop?
No Falcon.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cance chasing!!
Good god. He's the new Hinault.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All that Rabo work at the front
was that just for ~:> to take third place on the climb?  Niiiiiice.

by socal on Jul 12, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cance into the grass!!
Popo too!! Everyone upright, still going, helluva corner though.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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:
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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Who's Lampre working so hard for?
Ballan, Bennati?
Eleven Nation Army: Ready to get rich off the other teams' lunch money

by Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ballan I think
I'm not lucky enough for it to be Benna.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino 1K behind

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hincapie up there
without the big sprinters, he has a chance, maybe?

by ghisallo on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar
and a Beetle attack. Small gap, and as usual it's Cancellara chasing.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1.5km!!
Great excitement today!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1km
And Lamore about to catch em
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Freire around??
If he is, it's so over.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Freire jumps,
Zabel with him.

Pippo!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Confusing sprint...
Pozzato?

This Post Brought to You By Hennie's Hordes:
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by TCWriter on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

huh
Pozzato takes it.

by Sui Juris on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pipo called it!
Great stage, wow!

by mobilegoat on Jul 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino coming in
about a minute down.

1.18 down.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 on Jul 12, 2007 11:43 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
We're not going to let them live that one down too soon.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 2:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bennati
not unibrow in 3rd

by Hons on Jul 12, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:42 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:45 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Tifosa on Jul 12, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ONly the VDS
gets you headlines like "Schumacher 8th!!!"
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 2:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:47 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cutey
Pozzato ready for podium time :-)

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 11:48 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 11:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No
but he's still profiting from circumstances he had a pretty big hand in.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 12, 2007 12:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 Mr Van P on Jul 12, 2007 1:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 12, 2007 2:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Screw my VDS,
I love seeing Fabulous Fabian continue to win.

by Scott. on Jul 12, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too
Crazy talent.

Very fun to watch :-)

by gavia on Jul 12, 2007 12:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Considering he's 50' late
I'm not sure there's going to be much compassion.
"Ive learned that life is one crushing defeat after another until you just wish Flanders was dead"

by Drew on Jul 12, 2007 12:43 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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