Le Tour '07: Stage 15 Live!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 1:10 AM EDT in News

Welcome to the Road to Lauron, second in a three part series How the Tour Was Won (or Not) In the Pyrenees. Actually, Versus has omitted this stage from its Not-to-Miss list, so you can feel free to go get some errands done or something.

Of course, I'd been poo-poo'ing this stage a bit too, based solely on the stats: two cat-2 climbs, two cat-1 climbs, one h.c. climb (the Port de Balès, 35km from the line), and a downhill finish. But as usual, the riders make the race, not the course, and reading the commentary I'm getting the idea that today might be a very interesting day indeed. Most likely animators: Discovery Channel, who hope to keep landing combinations on the Chicken's body until he crumples. He might never, but hey, kudos to Bruyneel and co. if they give it a whirl. Rasmussen doesn't look like he's going to eliminate himself anytime soon.

So let's review... Things I said earlier in the Tour:

Bruyneel is nuts
the Chicken sucks
this stage will be a snore

What does it all mean? Set your VCRs for Monday morning.

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Comments

Klodi

I'm sitting here wondering about the #1 Undisputed Fearless Leader of Astana For All Time (The UFLAFAT) Andreas Kloden.

How bad was The UFLAFAT Kloden hurt in his TT fall? Can he heal up in time?
Will Astana really, honestly, completely, madly, with no reservations actually support their favorite German, the UFLAFAT? Or will they continue their contemplation of Vino's navel?

If he's healed and has a team behind him that could throw a big twist in tomorrow's race.

by ursula on Jul 23, 2007 1:34 AM EDT reply actions

Klodi reminded me

of Jan a little yesterday in some of his mountain battles with Lance. He couldn't keep up with all the attacks, but settled in nicely and finished with Evans (who may still be his chief rival at this point). He's only 4:38 down and he seems like the one guy left that can make it all up in the TT.

Vlaenderen die Leu

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 6:48 AM EDT reply actions

Early break contaiting

Hincappie, Vino, Kirchen, Arveson, Zubeldia, Vande Velde and about 18 others with a 4 minute advantage. Interesting..

Vlaenderen die Leu

by Peter Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 6:57 AM EDT reply actions

Good morning over there!

I'm actually not at work today so I get to watch a stage live. Hooray! The place where I'm at is cursed with 17:th century technology (tv and computer in seperate rooms) so I can't follow the PC commentary. Take a look at the description of todays HC climb in the livecommentary on CN. Sound like the placce to do some damage today. Menchov up the road as well today, Its going to be epic.

by Jens on Jul 23, 2007 7:24 AM EDT reply actions

maybe CSC will do something

with VdV up there in the break. If Jens and Cance pulled Carlos over to the break, the rest of the field would have a hard time responding. I'm not sure they are crazy enough to try it, though.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 7:28 AM EDT reply actions

Good morning, all. 113k to go, per CN:

Michael Albasini (Liquigas), Benoît Vaugrenard (Française Des Jeux), Denis Menchov (Rabobank), (Astana), Alexander Vinokourov, Serguei Ivanov and Daniel Navarro (Astana), Christian Vande Velde and Kurt-Asle Arvesen(Team CSC), Christian Knees (Milram), George Hincapie (Discovery Channel), Patrice Halgand (Crédit Agricole), Nicolas Portal and David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne), Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile), Ludovic Turpin (Ag2r Prévoyance), Javier Vila and Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital), Laurent Lefèvre (Bouygues Telecom), Iñigo Landaluze, Rubén Pérez and Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Juan Manuel Gárate (Quickstep-Innergetic), Juan José Cobo (Saunier Duval-Prodir), Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner) and Johann Tschopp (Bouygues Telecom)
Peloton at 8.13

I have the best job in the world. I mean, I get paid to hurt other people!! How much better can it get? -Jens Voigt, Philosopher, 05/27/06

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 7:34 AM EDT reply actions

LeMevel has crashed out today.

Kirchen started the day 14th overall, 13'16" behind Rasmussen; he's the highest placed rider in the breakaway.

I have the best job in the world. I mean, I get paid to hurt other people!! How much better can it get? -Jens Voigt, Philosopher, 05/27/06

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 7:38 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry, correct that, VS correctly reports

that Zubeldia is best placed, about 12:?? behind ~:>. Pozzato and Dessel DNS this morning.

I have the best job in the world. I mean, I get paid to hurt other people!! How much better can it get? -Jens Voigt, Philosopher, 05/27/06

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 7:53 AM EDT reply actions

nada to happen today?

oh well. time to get ready for work.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 8:01 AM EDT reply actions

The breakaway just passed

the memorial to Fabio Casartelli, on the descent of the Portet d'Aspet. Ivanov descending ahead of the others, and has a gap. Peloton at 7:54, about 91k to go/69mi. Rabo at the front of the peloton.

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 8:11 AM EDT reply actions

Ooops, VS captures

a large part of Ivanov's break au naturel. He was not trying to get away. In the peloton, Iglinsky crashes on the descent, and is chasing back.

They are racing through a really beautiful, forested gorge.

Bruyneel interviewed. Raves about The Accountant, and (ick) calls him "the next Lance."

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 8:19 AM EDT reply actions

hehe, she said large part

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Well take a look at this

I think this begins to make the case that all is not as it seems with Bert

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL!

i should have known someone here would be familiar with evil bert.

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

The Accountant and Evil Bert

separated at birth

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions

oh man, that's precious

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Vs. drooling about stage 16

something I've been doing since the route was announced

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 23, 2007 8:30 AM EDT reply actions

did VS change their schedule today?

i printed a schedule from their website before the Tour started and it says today was supposed to start at 8:30 EST. miss much?

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 8:33 AM EDT reply actions

8:30 ADT ?

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 23, 2007 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Scott, you haven't missed

any action at all yet, but it's been beautiful to watch. Rabo looks tired on the front, don't they? Lots of shoulder-pumping climbing.

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 8:48 AM EDT reply actions

we can only hope;

great to see George and Christian out front

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Descending the Col de Menthe

now, a twisting road of hairpins, beautiful shot. The front group is already down in the valley. The sun has come out now, but it's not too hot today. Benna takes 6 pts in the sprint, with KAA getting 2nd.

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 8:55 AM EDT reply actions

Morning all!

So CSC have the camera car today. I can't wait to see live shots of Kim Anderson telling Carlos "hold back Carlos! Be careful!"

Port de Bales coming... need coffee...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

The new climb is next, the HC

Port de Bales. Paul says the top 2k were not paved until 2 years ago.

Hmm, interesting factoid, per my Procycling '07 TdF guide: "The Pyrenees are named after Pyrene, who was raped by Heracles and fled to the mountains, where it is believed she was eaten by wild animals. The location of the mountains was specified by Greek historian Herodotus in 450 BC."

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 9:08 AM EDT reply actions

I'd be more excited

if they said the last two km were paved until two years ago.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Vs Spotlight: Vino has a bodyguard!

Which strikes me as akin to Chuck Norris having a bodyguard . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

Landaluze and Ivanov

are off the front of the breakaway, with Kohl, Arroyo, and Tschopp. They have 20 seconds. About 55k to go, gap back to the peloton about 8 minutes even. And I'm off to work....have a good one, all!

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 9:17 AM EDT reply actions

The only reason Chuck Norris would

have a body guard would be to have someone close that he could use to beat someone with if he did not want to touch a particularly nasty bad guy.

Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 23, 2007 9:19 AM EDT reply actions

Dutch Armada

for ~:> now. Port de Bales starting imminently. So it's ... commercial time!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

Specialized

should be advertising its commuter bikes.

"Every pedal stroke propels me closer... to the office."

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like Rabo being whittled down

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:28 AM EDT reply actions

Has anyone checked out our old buddies

at Cyling.tv to see if they've got any TdF coverage worth the effort it takes to fumble through their site?

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

i wonder if it is legal

to dramatize the action in real time with actors. That might be fun to watch. Probably, often more fun than the race.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I've wondered the same

but I've been wary of that train wreck of a website

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Ivanov dropped

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions

With every passing kilometer

the chicken tightens his grip on yellow.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

The problem

with c.tv at the moment is that there are ten zillion sites showing some sort of Tour video, and I don't have time for more than a couple.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

Vino

in the breakaway? Hopefully he'll pull back 10 minutes and win the stage so we can read about how he's back from the dead again.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

KaBOOM!

Ivanov. Wow... someone scrape him off the hillside.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

he died a valiant death

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Ivanov looks like me trying to climb.

Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Jul 23, 2007 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

"Finally, Menchov"

"got his ass in gear," the Chicken clucked.

by ghisallo on Jul 23, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions

Disco should attack with Astana

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions

Cash is King attacks!

by Chilltown on Jul 23, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions

I work for a telecom company

and we have the worst f'in internet connection in the world. Sheesh! right as something happens.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

THE DEVIL makes an appearance

by Chilltown on Jul 23, 2007 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

OK, Rabo down to 1 worker

time to go

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

So...

work to do today? Nice to see Rabo under pressure. I think the final climb, while only Cat 1, is where the sparks will fly. the HC climb is actually less steep on average, just longer. Am I being obvious?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:48 AM EDT reply actions

I thought the roads

in the Pyrenees were supposed to be steeper and crappier.

pavement looks new to me, the grades awfully friendly.

by orangekick on Jul 23, 2007 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

top 2 K have just been paved

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

The Port de Bales

starts off at 4-5 gradient, but at the end kicks up to 10 percent gradient. Thats why the average is not too high, but it certainly is tough.

by Chilltown on Jul 23, 2007 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Astarloza leaking oil

Boogerd hammering on the front.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions

Seems like they would attack ~:> before the top

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions

The haircut

slides back. Another Caisse d'Epargne "contender" bites the dust. Will Oscar Pereiro be their top rider again?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

Would be nice

to see some attacks here, if only to force a frantic chase down the back.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

look for attacks

from riders who did well in the Alps

by orangekick on Jul 23, 2007 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Zubeldia!

They're letting him back in, though I suspect that gap will be pretty paltry by day's end. But he's 5' down on GC now, on the road. What's that, 6th?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Boogerd hurting guys?

I dunno, if Karpets is rejoining the group, maybe they're not going all that fast.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 9:57 AM EDT reply actions

Is there

a full moon out this morning?

This is a bad, bad precedent.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:00 AM EDT reply actions

When will they attack the chicken

are they going to let this stage slip by and wait for Wednesday?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

Peyresourde is

pretty steep. I suppose they'll wait.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions

TdF rewards patience?

That seems to be the rule that the top 10 follow, but not the winners. Ah well.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Right

you can follow wheels for three weeks, straight into 8th place. No problemo.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Boogie

either using a pretty big gear, or about to blow. Nobody will accuse him of tapping out a rhythm.

Yaro-POP! We'll see if he claws onto the back.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

This is surreal

riding though the fog.

by Chilltown on Jul 23, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like

Amstel '05. No wonder Boogerd is riding so well. Expect him to be second over the top.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Bruyneel

will be earning his coin today. Well, or not. But he has the team he wanted last year, a multi-headed hydra. Let's see if he can pull out the ace.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

Kirchen crests the climb

Hopefully the fog will dissipate soon.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply actions

How many CSCs in the yellow

jersey group?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

What a great heli shot.

by Chilltown on Jul 23, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like

Frank Schleck is still up there with Carlos

by Veloki on Jul 23, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Arvesen and Vande Velde?

Did they survive in the front, or are they toast?

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

A couple trackers

say they are still in groups in between the main break and the yellow group.

by Veloki on Jul 23, 2007 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Away from the race

I just saw this on the Guardian's live coverage (yes, semi-unfaithful to PC)

"In other Tour news, customs officials stopped and searched vehicles of at least three teams on the A64 road in south-west France earlier today. In a move reminiscent of the Festina swoop in 1998, the officials were seen checking vehicles of the Rabobank, Discovery Channel and Astana teams."

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/tourdefrance2007/story/0,,2132794,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=7

Didn't they have some sort of agreement not to do this?

by Monty. on Jul 23, 2007 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

Great

As for agreements, I think they promised to consider not doing this in the spirit of fairness.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Polti kept their stash in the Hoover

Do Discovery travel with a large collection of Steve Irwin videos? It's to keep them busy in the evening, officer.

by Monty. on Jul 23, 2007 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

lol

EPO in Planet Earth. Testosterone in American Chopper.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

here's a nice comment

from that page

1.09pm More debate is being stirred up in the Rasmussen affair: International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid has admitted he would rather the Dane did not win this year's Tour. "From an image point of view, it would be better if it was not Rasmussen but one of the youngest riders winning the Tour," said McQuaid. "But he has not broken any rule so far since two no shows are not a doping offence." In other Tour news, customs officials stopped and searched vehicles of at least three teams on the A64 road in south-west France earlier today. In a move reminiscent of the Festina swoop in 1998, the officials were seen checking vehicles of the Rabobank, Discovery Channel and Astana teams. On the descent, Ivanov is racing clear, while Arroyo has briefly stopped to repair some chain damage.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Nothing unreasonable

but if I were head of UCI, I'd probably not go around picking favorites. McQuaid needs credibility training. Or maybe it's too late.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

at least with Ras

the investigation can start now, before the Tour is over, so there is a chance that his jersey can be stripped by 2009.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Here's where

it all gets screwed up. Do you investigate w/o any apparent violation? Because being under investigation is grounds to stop a rider. Can't stop the maillot jaune w/o a damn good reason.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

from eurosport audio

"It appears that the French customs service searched Astana, CSC, and Discovery Busses." No additional news.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

My prediction

Vino will crash on the descent, then get up and win the stage while bleeding from about 7 different places.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

JJ Cobo

Racing for the glory of my VDS team.

Here comes Vino.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

Vino takes the stage lead

and he looks determined. de la Arroyo nabs his wheel.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

I can't believe they are not attacking

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

LL should go too

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

well that's a nice bit of

acceleration from Popo.

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

And we're off!`

Yaro-Pop there to soften them up. Rabo won't take the bait.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

I can imagine

being willing to pay CHF 50.- a bottle at that point . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

Sounds like

FedEx field.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Ha

I might just make do with nothing, if I thought my francs were going into little Danny Snyder's pocket . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Rabo playing it straight

Just keeping up the tempo on the front nice and high to discourage attacks.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

Iban Mayo

is Basque for "autobus".

Soler in trouble now...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Will LL go when they catch Popo?

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Vino

comes around Cobo and Zubeldia as they trade blows. 15km left. Kirchen and the Cd'E guy are cooked.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Doubt it

It's not his "style"....whatever

by CannonDowell on Jul 23, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Vino has 10"

on Cobo and Zub. Coming to the summit soon.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Rabo have their foot on Disco's neck

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions

So it appears

Nobody looks like they can make a move.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

snore

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

P&P cursing Disco

Menchov explodes.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply actions

(popping in)

Are the still on the Peyresourde? Is vino alone? How is he pedaling, is he pissed?

It's not over until the fat lady sings! -Jens Voigt, Philosopher. (ToCA '07)

by Ruthann on Jul 23, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Vino over the top

just being Vino

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions

mob!

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

lost the feed here in Canada...???

I'd check my internet connection-- but this is cable....

by orangekick on Jul 23, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

sorry, beyondtv problem.

by orangekick on Jul 23, 2007 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Vino

What a stud. Hard to dislike today.

by samboo on Jul 23, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

ino looks good

going over the top of the last climb w/32 seconds. Blasting it out. He'll win on the descent.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

Contador!

Ras comes up. Everyone else stood still.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

Contador tries again

hammering away, Rasmussen out of the saddle, for maybe 30 seconds! Nice two-man battle now!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Contador's hammering

looks like it's about to pay off.

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Bert's almost got him

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Another try

And Contador is close to getting away!!!

Ras clawing on... small gap. Contador goes again! But now I'm not sure he can keep it up.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Hit him again!

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Together again.

Contador has to wind up for another try.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

YEs

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

oh well

by mobilegoat on Jul 23, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

Oh, nice

George and Alberto . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Over the top

Contador catches Hincapie, but the confusion in the service cars ensures he can't distance Rasmussen.

Down they go.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Ran out of

real estate.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Vino wins!

Kirchen 2nd, Zubeldia 3rd.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Hincapie

trying to think of a way to ditch Rasmussen. Not likely. Three together.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

Contador

doesn't quit. One last hit.

by Sui Juris on Jul 23, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Contador tries again

tries again. No dice. Dude, if you have such great legs, why didn't you try earlier?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

preview of wed.

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 23, 2007 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

my thouhgts exactly

This is like the Giro in the way that i keep hoping someone will do something to ring his neck, but everyone stays in the barn until it's too late.

by CannonDowell on Jul 23, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

kohl and Vandevelde

finishing. no seconds available at the line but Contador and Rasmussen are racing nonetheless.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Contador hammers home

with Ras on his wheel.

The only thing that was accomplished was distancing the other competitors. They put another 45 seconds into them maybe? Pointless.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think it was pointless for Bert,

he was only up 41 seconds on Evans yesterday, so another 45 today gives him a little more wiggle room in the TT, where Cadel could easily take Bet's 2nd podium place.

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

24 vs 33

Contador should hit him as often as possible whether it works or not. Cumulative affect could pay off.

And what was Levi doing previous to this?

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

by Drew on Jul 23, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

training for the tough German mountains

by Scott. on Jul 23, 2007 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Good effort

by Contador, but too late. He was roaring home to the finish. I think he could have survived if he started the attacks sooner, though I'm not his legs, so what do I know? All I know is, the Accountant was the strongman of the day, but he couldn't quite crack the Chicken. Close, very close, but no dice. And in the end, Rasmussen just strengthened his hand.

Contador has served notice about what's to come Wednesday though. Not done yet, by a long shot.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

footage of ivanov

i feel how he looked every time i go out riding

by Burgundy and Gold on Jul 23, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

Respect for Ivanov

Results say he came in in 22nd place, same time as Sastre/Levi/Evans/Kloden/etc! I would never have expected that kind of recovery!

I wish Vino hadn't fallen, so we could really have seen this team in action. Impressive while they're dragging Vino along, but it could have been so much fun. Tactics that break the rules; deep bench. Vino/Kloden/Kascheschkin vs Contador/Levi/Popovich coulda been spectacular.

Kirsten, Berkeley, CA

by Kirsten on Jul 24, 2007 2:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Well nevermind about that

dope.

Kirsten, Berkeley, CA

by Kirsten on Jul 25, 2007 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Running out of road to attack

Rasmussen is going to be a tough one to dislodge.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 23, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

results

1 Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana
2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) T-Mobile 0.49
3 Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
4 Juan José Cobo (Spa) Saunier Duval-Prodir 0.51
5 Juan Manuel Gárate (Spa) Quickstep-Innergetic 2.16
6 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 3.24
7 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 4.25
8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team CSC
9 Ludovic Turpin (Fra) Ag2r Prévoyance 5.16
10 Alberto Contador (Spa) Discovery Channel 5.25
11 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank
12 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto 6.27

General classification

1 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank
2 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Discovery 2.23
3 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor 4.00
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery 5.25
5 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana 5.34

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 23, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Respect due:

<list>
<>*Johan and Discovery:

Contador is doing exactly what he needs to do to win the tour. As is Levi. Sending George up in the break to drive the Accountant to the finish was EXACTLY what they needed to do. Phil was adament that Contador needed to go earlier, but Alberto knows what is in his legs and he got a minute on everyone but the leader. He attacked with abandon while Levi was able to cover the other leaders. This was textbook tactics and aggressive racing, it just didn't blow the whole race open. Still, it was more than Cadel and the preggers pack did and paid off. I'm not a Disco fan, but they are doing the right things and riding to win.
<>*Michael Rassmussen
He's leading and rode like the leader. Contador burned a lot of matches today, but ~:-> and his flock did exactly what they needed to do to defend the jersey. He's one stage closer to winning the race
<>*Alexander Vinokourov:
He's not going to win, but the Dude will never, ever, ever quit. I think the think that held him back on the climb yesterday are his 50 kilo balls of solid brass.

Now, I'm not a Discovery fan, nor am I a fan of the Men in Black (other than Vino, he's won me over despite all of my skepticism and anger at dodgy Ferrari-based practices). I'm afraid that the big winners today (Discovery, Rassmussen, Vinkourov) are all winning with old-school technologies and techniques, but as far as racing and on the road toughness, tactics, and just plain ripping people's legs off, they are doing what I tune into cycling to watch.

I guess I hope that they all get busted, because I want a clean sport, but I admire the hell out of how they are racing. Color me confuddled on how to cheer for this tour.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 23, 2007 12:47 PM EDT reply actions