Podium Cafe: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Backing the Pack for NC State Fans!

Le Tour '07: Stage 14 Live!

Tourbecco_tiny by Chris... on in News Comment 306 comments

Up Up and Away... Pez has been interviewing Greg LeMond lately, and he said something that surprised me. He said that he hated the rest days, they interrupted the rhythm of the race and he didn't necessarily feel like resting. I've always assumed that riders in the middle of an incredibly grueling three-week race wouldn't mind a breather, and in fact it would improve the racing the day before and after, knowing a rest was coming. Apparently it helps to ride the Tour to understand how it works. Who knew?

Anyway, the difficulty of yesterday and tomorrow makes me think that today might be a great day to attack. OTOH, what the hell do I know... Enjoy! [Oh, and we probably will need a new thread at 250 comments today. Don't be surprised.]

0 recs | Comment 306 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Vino attacks!
    Testing ... testing ... one two three testing
The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Jul 22, 2007 6:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

De LaFuente, Soler and Popovych
contesting mountain points already.  Rasmussen sneaks off the front, chased down by Evans' squad.  This is going to be fun.
The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Jul 22, 2007 6:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

15 minute pre-race informercial on VS
for Pos-T-Vac vacuum device for erectile disfunction. This is what VS shows at 5:30 AM cdt.

by hughw on Jul 22, 2007 7:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

from CN
Current situation

    * Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne), Rubén Pérez (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Carlos Barredo (Quickstep-Innergetic), Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Antonio Colom (Astana) and Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas)
    * Peloton at 10.20

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 22, 2007 7:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NOS Stream is running
not talking heads. 94.7 km to go.

10:10 to the break. Peleton in the feed zone. Rabo all over the front.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 8:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Moreau is off the back
WTF. Looks like mechanical problems.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 8:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone speak spanish ?
"Mi Tour ha terminado"
Los médicos sospechan que Valverde, que fue "de menos a menos", ha incubado un virus.
http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/Tour/ha/terminado/elpepudep/20070722elpepidep_4/Tes

by lucybears on Jul 22, 2007 8:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Virus?
Needs no translation, perhaps...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 8:32 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mornin all!
So I was lying in bed thinking, don't be an idiot and get up at 4:30, to watch 90 minutes of gruppo compatto before the attacks. Instead, there's only 60 minutes. Swish!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 8:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SD Pulling?
Because the field are going to cry uncle and let Mayo go? Not too sure about that one.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 8:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shorter Levi
I plan to follow wheels for three days and hope everyone disappears.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 8:45 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SD are pounding it
Port de Pailheres in about 5-10 minutes. Something brewing?? If anyone's not on their game, the trouble will start early.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 8:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Klodi: Alex is the leader
Hm... We'll see.

Break is on the climb. Leakygas guy starting to hurt.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:00 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder if
Valverde will make it over the first climb?

Everyone else might want to keep it holstered til then, but if VV is sick, he's not gonna get over the top with the leaders.

I can't imagine why SD are doing so much work if Mayo wasn't planning to make a move soon.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I will be surprised if Vino
can hang with the climbers through these mountains.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Break tactics
made simple: follow the Basque guy. He ain't slowing down.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Autobus taking shape.
Seats reserved for most of FdJeux.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DAMMIT!!
I can't take these ads. I need coffee...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The subaru ad would be improved
if a bear attacked the spokesman.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the harley ad would be improved
if a bear attacked the bikers.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But
there's no improving the Summer of Violence ad. I thought this was a hors commercial segment?

Moreau hanging back. Once more for the Dauphine champ... June is too early, apparently.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Tongueis hanging out
with the sprinters

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

at least Moreau took a real
crack at the GC. Yes, he flamed out, but he didn't go into stage win mode right at the start.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh well
there go my predictions / / /

by R Mc on Jul 22, 2007 9:40 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cioni is already gone
Horner should be able to hang with Cattle at least over this first beast.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:15 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This doesn't suck
Rode my bike up from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano yesterday

Today, I'm hanging at the beach, watching the tour, reading PC 'cause the rental has high speed wireless!

:)

Vacation is good.

by johnw on Jul 22, 2007 9:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sweet
I'm about due for some vaca myself.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:18 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

who are these ads for?
I don't want any of that crap...
Power Chairs, Tapout, deer antlers, and high heels... looks random as hell

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I used to
hate all that stuff, but now I'm beginning to have second thoughts...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:24 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I... can't...
it's too powerful
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:26 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar turning the screw
Cobo is helping to dish out the pain. de la Fuente is up there, too.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Burghardt makes it half way up
That dude is going to stomp in the classics next year.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Astanas looming behind SDV
These guys are waiting and waiting and waiting.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cobo blown
Too bad. Another guy whose year-long VDS value is going way up.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SAAB
Born from herring.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Replace TroutWig
with Tom Bodet (Motel 6 guy)

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar time!
Any read on Vino?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he looks reasonably good, though
didn't look like he was struggling.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oops
Vino dropped
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Tour
must be easy to find. Follow the stream of water bottles.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CCCRRAACKCKKKKK!!
Vino!!!!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino wants a
 "...little captain in him."

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino is toast
I don't think it had anything to do with energy spent yesterday, he prepared for the TTs, and is going to lose time in the mountains.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holy sheit...
Vino is seriously leaking oil. He's about 7-8 seconds off the back already.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow
will Klodi drop back to help his captain?

Yaro-pop sliding back. No polka dots for you!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino can catch back over the top
maybe, but he's going to lose 10 minutes on the final climb.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yup
the story isn;'t the gap, it's the legs. Or the knee.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:36 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Big action onthe Pailheres!
So of course we're watching the stupid DirecTV ad.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mayo and Sastre
will need to go ape shit on the last climb.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mayo/SAstre
Wouldn't that be something? Throw two more names back in the hopper?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler is in that group
Rabo setting the pace now.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kaboom!
Millar. Nicely done!

Rabo take the controls... Chicken looking comfy enough.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar
Was a great ride today by Millar...

But why is this guy so popular?  Is it simply because he's from the UK?  I've been wondering this for years.

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 22, 2007 9:39 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boogie
going out head held high.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino back to the Dr
for a swig from the cough syrup bottle of courage

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vino troubles
back at the medic car. I think his Tour really is over now.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what is accelerade
and where can i buy it

...ads too convincing...

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 22, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

anyone use
Accelerade?  Does it work?

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've used it for the last three
years for marathons and long rides. It is great. I like the orange flavour.
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 22, 2007 10:10 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Those accelerade ads got to me
I bought some of the powder. I did not obtain super powers as a result.

It's a bit like drinking milk, but it's pretty refreshing.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:43 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

imagine
gatorade with a whey kick

now imagine what it tastes like after 3 hours in your bottle, in 95 degree temperatures . . .

Eewwww.

by R Mc on Jul 22, 2007 9:54 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who is
this animator dude? And should I care that he uses HP computers?

I think not

by johnw on Jul 22, 2007 9:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Big Action on the first climb
the Plateau will be a blast...I'm gonna start drinking Accelerade and Capt. Morgan to get ready for it

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:45 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler is looking twitchy
near the summit. Will Ras go for KOM points?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:45 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras looks very easy
As does Menchov, really. He must be thinking of what could have been.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Basques on the war path
as they summit the climb.

Peleton is 1 km behind the break.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice crowds
at the top. Can't wait for the next peak. I suspect we're looking at a huge day... tomorrow's course is comparatively dull.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The French-ness is getting to me
but I'm begining to like Vino more and more as he takes a pounding and looks human...Eternal Second and all that...

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mayo off the back!
Soler on the attack!
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mayo digging deep
Barlow world goes again!

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:50 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler attacks!
1km too early?

Mayo losing it! So SD are just on loan to Rabo?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:50 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler takes the points
and makes it look very easy.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler alone
gets the 5th place KOM points. He's way back, nobody is interested in him for overall. He'd been close enough to watch before the time trial.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Scary descent
nasty switchbacks, and steep drops every which way.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

great time for a commercial for
random Bull Riding stuff... prepare yourself for a "Worst Commercials of the TdF Poll"

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:54 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the penis pump infomercial
is the worst. If it weren't for the TdF, I would never have seen that.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:55 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have been spared the sight
but I've heard others talking in "Shocked" tones

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:00 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It comes down to the final climb
with Rabo in control, and looking strong with Dekker and Menchov there for the Ras. His grip on yellow is getting stronger by the kilometer.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but he needs time for the last TT
even with cow's blood he can't hold out without more time

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 9:55 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no risk takers left
Sastre will play it too coo'. Levi too. Maybe Contater.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I shouldn't
what with that Moreau comment. but . . .

All of a sudden, Astana looks pretty vulnerable, and  ~:> won't have Dekker and Boogerd up the Plateau.  Who does that leave?

Contador's gonna go . . . so the real question is how many minutes does he take?

by R Mc on Jul 22, 2007 9:56 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador attack would have made
sense on the first climb. Rabo and Ras will limit the losses, if any on the last climb.

No pressure on Ras or Rabo by anyone.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 9:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador
is a potential aggressor, IMHO.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh my...
every time I see dog vs. bike in the Vs. intro, part of me dies

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 22, 2007 10:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Johan sounds like he's giving
interviews all the time

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rejoining
small group coming back to the favorites.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Txurruka may stay away...
EE does have the motivation...

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa!
Vino 5.30 back already. D-U-N
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he went down fighting
left it all on the road yesterday... he's doing a Pantani (vintage 2000?)

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:09 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

after the tour
he'll retire to his fur-lined pleasure dome in Kazakhstan.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:21 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Changing times?
Despite all my carping about the ads, if VS spend the next week promoting the Simpsons movie, I'll be OK with that.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador gonna fly
Big G working hard

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd be more apt to buy a Saab
if, instead of having 99 ads an hour, they did the "this hour sponsered by Saab" move.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disco on the front
Was that Hincapie? Couldn't tell.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

headwind climb
maybe no attacks by the GC men til the last km?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hincapie still setting the pace
Rabo all over the front right behind him. group of about 20 at the front, with Soler looking tough.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No attacks?
Pedrhaps, but lots of melting.

Phil guarantees splits tomorrow. I don't... in fact, you can ignore the Podium Cafe tomorrow morning if you want.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's on!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it is pretty windy
I saw that flag standing out there. But it looks like there is at least some shelter from trees for a while.

Thre tree line is way up there near the top, no?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's just wrong
I HATE headwinds on climbs.

by johnw on Jul 22, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rabo back up front
Is the Chicken going to make a statement today?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rabo seeting the pace
Boogie dancing on the pedals.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Steep section there
good to launch an attack if an attack is to be launched.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's Triki
to rock a climb.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Colom sails away
for the stage. They'll probably catch him in the last 200 meters or so. Peloton is under 2' back.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador
right up front behind the Rabos.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kirchen
remains on the periphery.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Menchov
and Popo setting the pace.

This might be a good stage for Menchov.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Valverde
I'm a bit surprised VV is still in there. If he's sick, he should be done by now.

Horner settles back into his pace, as does Mayo.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

VV hurting
OP with him... time to attack!

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Zubeldia gone
Where's Astarloza? He's the only orange kit we should care about.

And there he is, with Valverde. So that settles it. Pereiro looks like he's about to fall off his bike.

Yaropop is pulling hard!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi in the back
of the main group. Wonder if he can stick? I guess he looks OK.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kloden
at the back of the field. Contador moving up on the side.

Boogie ups the pace. Menchov swings off.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre?
At the back, looks ok. Soler offering Ras a bottle!!!!!
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

funny stuff
like the attitude. He's enjoying this, apparently.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Menchov slides back
He did his work. No reason to see things as they aren't. He's a helper now.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

take the bottle
funniest thing I've seen on this tour...

by JohnSFO on Jul 22, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler had just taken that bottle
from a fan on the roadside. Thats why he just poured it on his arms. He didn't take a drink. Then he offered it to Ras.
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 22, 2007 10:44 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Colom at the front
heads of state catch Barredo.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

soler and bert
will go

Ras looking around

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Goodam French TV
my daily rant. Can the director stay on one shot for more than two seconds? I really just care about the main guys, and am occasionally amused by the stage leader. Not every random guy to fall off the pace. And I think I know all I need to about Caisse d'Epargne.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disco moves up
Boogie done, Yaro-Pop doing a hard tempo. Contador looks itchy, though I'm not sure they can get rid of anyone.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Klodi yoyo
classic Klodi style. That must hurt.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Klodi...
barely, barely on the group.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Klodi drops
so now Kashechkin is the captain?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kloden fights back again!
ugh. He does this on every climb
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nope
Klodi back. Oy. this doens't look fun.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador in trouble
Sastre too.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nope
they clawed back. Popo slowed, I'm sure, what with that little radio in his ear.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:48 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre gets back on
Kloden still dragging his ass back to the group.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Klodi really dropping now
I think he's on his pace at this point.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Different grades
are whacking Klodi.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If nobody attacks
then Kloden will probably stay within 30 seconds, and very little will have been accomplished today, besides eliminating a few longshots.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi accelerates!
Gave it a shot, but everyone marked him. Contador now!!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador attacking
Sastre stays with him, Ras looks easy. Levi slipped away.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler pacing Levi
back up to the leaders. Contador weaving across the road. Ras is attacking. Contador is with him. Cattle chasing. Soler looks tired. Levi chasing. Sastre with Levi.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They dumped Kash
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras, Cadel, Contador
are the heads of state. Levi, Sastre, and Soler pacing back up.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chicken
with only Contador and Evans. Sastre and Levi stalking, and they get back on. Soler too.

Rasmussen is the aggressor!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler cooked
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler giving Ras some trash talk
Kash and Klodi together riding up on their own pace
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

6.5 km left
So there's some serious racing to be done.

Levi is gonna pass Kloden perhaps.

And now Soler goes! surprising. Nobody cares.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chicken follow
Evans and Contador are with him. Levi and Sastre are pacing back.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras again!!
On a hellish switchback. Levi and Sastre consistently miss the attack, then catch when it slows.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

altogether again
Sastre is just riding his own pace. The attacks are not sticking.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LL about to hurl
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Flare goes again
Bert goes again

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler again!
This one looks like it will go, Contador follows, Levi just riding his own pace. Sastre follows.

Ras counters!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler says
shoe boxes dumb, coffee better

by Scott. on Jul 22, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler cracked
He is riding his own pace.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

soler gets away
Contador tries to accelerate, and breaks Levi.

Ras now! Contador and Evans stick to him.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador attacks on the steeep
that one might stick. Soler marking the chicken. everyone follows the chicken. Levi stuck riding his own pace.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Accountant!!
And they let him go... just games? or is he stronger??

Ras lifts the pace. LL was back, but again can't accelerate.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This time
I think it's gonna stick. Contador alone but Rasmussen coming up.

Evans sinks back to Levi and sastre.

Chicken catches Contador.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 10:59 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dang
this is good shit!

by JohnSFO on Jul 22, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a battle!
And still 5km left. Very, very aggressive riding today. Cycling gods pleased...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador riding the chicken
still 5 km to go. Evans pacing the others back, about 30 seconds behind already.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Four chasers together
Evans, Levi, Soler, Sastre.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras has :15 sec on Cattle
who is cracking

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre comes
around Levi and Evans. They will get back to the chicken. Evans is toast.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans losing it
They've dumped him from the chase. He's drained his tankard of courage, alas.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras refuses to do any work
Contador keeps going. Why?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre with the classic
Carlos climbing face on.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The catch
 Colom finished.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No time
It needed to happen before the last climb.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:21 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the RAS
can't cover everyone

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre says
to Levi, "come on, bitch!"
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre pissed
telling Levi to chase, but unfortunately he's not gonna track down his teammate.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Colom digs into his
shaving bag of endurance and latches on.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does Ras speak spanish?
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 22, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras attacks
but contador follows with no problem.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans
at 0.45, not losing the Tour today. But at this pace, he'll need a cracking TT.

Bonus at the end will matter. Surely Contador will get it, if they're equally strong.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Will there be any legs left for
tomorrow?
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 22, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

drunken fans randomly
zipping back and forth.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Games
btw two leaders. They don't look like friends.
HUGE crowds.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel back with Kloden!
massive slabs of time slipping away.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2km
Contador should wheel suck, no way can Ras come around him in the end.

In the barriers now. Ras: come through! Contador: how stupid do you think I am?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre and Levi
in the barriers now too. Not losing too much. Levi is a survivor, today and overall.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador to attack
in 3... 2...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

Under the kite
Still marking each other. Ras stuck ont he front, as he must.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

Contador can wait
for the line. He's gonna win, of course.
-K-

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

Soler flying up though!
He might catch them as they play games for the "sprint"
-K-

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

Soler at .20
Levi maybe .25
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

Disco
playing a very patient game of chess in this Tour.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes they are
Lot's of climbing to come... and they have the best looking team left

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 11:19 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi leaves
Sastre in his wake.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras attacks
Contador right on him. Starts to come around, zips up the jersey, and rolls home first.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ras hangs tough
tightens his claws on yellow.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler 3rd
Levi coming up! He's passed Sastre. They're at maybe 40 seconds.

Sastre another 10 seconds at .53

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Klodi and Evans
2'?

1.52. Kash later, about to fall over.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans and Kloden
1:52 Colom waits for Kash and paces him to the finish.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yaro-pop now!
Amazing. 3.05, comes in with Boogerd. Both of those guys sacrificed a lot.

Caisse d'Epargne boys in now, 3.45.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn, that Soler
is an impressive Columbian import.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Excellent stage!!
Probably the best one yet. No pussyfooting around today. I think tomorrow's stage must be pretty lowly regarded by comparison for everyone to play their aces today. Or maybe there's just more to be gained on the heels of the time trial.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 22, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rabos finished strong, too
not many CSC jerseys up there.

Rabo and Disco are the powerhouses.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks all!
Kids beckoning. Can someone please post the final stage and GC results? Ciao!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

Climbers
suceeded in attacking the tt contenders.  2 more mtn stages, so it's far from over.

by paolo on Jul 22, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I picked Ras on my VDS
for cheap KOM points and a stage win. Very surprising.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 22, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

from cn
       
94th Tour de France - ProT
France, July 7-29, 2007

Complete    Latest    Stage Profile    Live Rider Data and Positioning brought to you by &
Stage 14 - Sunday, July 22: Mazamet - Plateau-de-Beille, 197km

Live commentary by Shane Stokes and Bjorn Haake

17:16 CEST  
Kloden and Evans are next. They finish 1'52" behind Contador and Rasmussen. Colom is waiting for Kashechkin, and the two come in together 2'23" down.

17:17 CEST  
Popovych, Boogerd and, we think, Astarloza are next in.

17:18 CEST  
John Gadret finishes now as first Frenchman, 4'47 back.

17:20 CEST  
So Rasmussen and Contador have marked themselves out as the big riders for the GC; the Astana challenge appears to have dissolved today. Vinokourov is certainly gone, and it will be hard for Kloden and Kashechkin to come back.

17:22 CEST  
Contador is 2'23 back while Evans is 3'04 down. He needs to improve tomorrow if he is to challenge for the final yellow jersey. He should fare better than the other two in the final time trial, but has to get time back before then. Otherwise he's looking at a podium place at best.

17:23 CEST  
What an eventful stage! Many dreams died today - some big names really blew up. Moreau, Vinokourov and Valverde stand out, but others also suffered and fell back.
# # # # Alberto Carlos Sastre (Team CSC) Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto), Andreas Klöden (Astana), Andrey Kashechkin (Astana) at 1.18 Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne), Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne), David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne) at 2.37 Gruppetto at 7.04 -->
Provisional standings at Finish

1 Alberto Contador (Spa) Discovery Channel
2 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank
3 Mauricio Soler (Col) Barloworld                     0.36
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Channel             0.38
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC                        0.52
6 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana                         1.52
7 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto
8 Antonio Colom (Spa) Astana                          2.23
9 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana
10 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Discovery Channel          3.06

General classification

1 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank
2 Alberto Contador (Spa) Discovery Channel            2.23
3 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto                   3.04
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Channel             4.25
5 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana                         4.38
6 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC                        5.50
7 Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana                      6.58
8 Mikel Astarloza (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
9 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
10 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Discovery Channel

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OOPS!
Sorry plz edit chris.

by mobilegoat on Jul 22, 2007 11:28 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

User Tools

Every sprint, every cobble, every mountain pass from the world of Pro Cycling
Start posting on Podium Cafe »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Tuco_1_small
ROAD RACE: Nat'l Champ. Repository

by itswells 7 days ago

405 comments | 15 recs

Unicorn_160_x_160_facing_other_way_small
VDS: National Championship Bonus Points

by majope 10 days ago

56 comments | 7 recs

Recent FanPosts

Jim_small
The Pursuit of Green

by jsallee00 about 5 hours ago

26 comments | 0 recs

Small
The Tour de France Stage 2

by James Moffat about 7 hours ago

9 comments | 0 recs

J0397446_small
Versus live streaming?

by cg. about 8 hours ago

6 comments | 0 recs

Small
Giro Donne – Stage 3

by Monty. about 14 hours ago

0 comments | 0 recs

Small
Tour de France Stage 1

by James Moffat 1 day ago

0 comments | 0 recs

Small
Giro Donne – Stage 2 Time Trial

by Monty. 1 day ago

21 comments | 0 recs

Small
Giro Donne – Stage 1

by Monty. 2 days ago

13 comments | 0 recs

Small
MY OPINION ON THE TOUR DE FRANCE

by James Moffat 2 days ago

42 comments | 0 recs

Bowling_small
I have a strong feeling how Versus coverage is going to go

by Drew... 2 days ago

54 comments | 0 recs

Small
Giro Donne – Opening Prologue

by Monty. 2 days ago

15 comments | 0 recs

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini

Recent Posts