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Le Tour '07: Stage 19 Time Trial Live!!

Tourbecco_tiny by Chris... on in News Comment 295 comments

Well, the last 90 minutes of this race will be this year's Super Bowl of Cycling. Unlike last year's Pereiro-Landis showdown, it's pretty hard to say for sure how this is going to come out. In fact, I can't ever recall a legitimate three-way battle in the final ITT of the Tour. Maybe the Roche or Delgado tours?? No time to look that one up.

Anyway, feel free to chat away and enjoy the long preamble of some 138 riders. Have at it!

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hmm
1990 with lemond chiapucci and breukink

Levi better not play it safe, he could crash 4 times, blow up, and still get 3rd. I expect to see him going balls to the wall insane at every moment possible. Nothing would scare cadel more than putting enough time into contador only to find out he's losing to leipheimer.

On a side note, I can't find the depart schedule, anyone know when the top 5 go down the ramp?

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 3:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

feltek.dk
Isn't that where all these dodgy rumours come from? I have this theory that it's not even real Danish, but just a room full of monkeys sitting in front of typewriters and every so often they hit the button that says "insert name of random cyclist."

by Monty. on Jul 28, 2007 6:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It would be cool if he didn't wear an earpiece.
ala Lemond in 89.  Plus I'd rather see Odessa at the end of the stage than Kathy Lemond screeching GREGGGGGG!!!!!!!!
Vlaenderen die Leu

by Mr Van P on Jul 28, 2007 7:06 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vansevenant has iron grip on Lantern Rouge!!
   Cancellara on the course but not tearing it up after first time check.
The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Jul 28, 2007 7:11 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, but
Hoste was only about 20 seconds ahead of De Groot there, and he ended up 2 minutes over him at the end.

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 7:15 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It just occurred to me
Since Bruneel will be riding behind Contador , Levi will probably have to rely on the sound advice and tactical wit of Dirk Demol. Might not be such a bad idea to lose the earpiece...

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:15 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So........no pressure kid
I just travelled last minute across the world to bask in your glory. Don't let me down!

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:31 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

my guess is his last minute appearance is
intended for publicity/new sponsorship purposes. Whether Lance doped or not, the suspicions remain; so I'm wondering if, considering today's hyper-reactive anti-doping atmosphere, his appearance will end up back-firing on the team. Might not have been a good decision to have him there.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 8:02 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that just seems dumb
why psyche him out like that? maybe that's just a rumor.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 8:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oof
Fabian down 15 seconds on Hoste at the second check

Maybe he isn't on such a good day?

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 7:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar's whell exploded?
Bummer...
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 7:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 7:48 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Since Cancellara's tank was (half)empty
I'm predicting that Levi wins the stage.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't follow you Jens
What do you mean?
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 7:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cancellara didn't have enough
energy left to smash the field like he did in the prologue. A TT after three hard weeks is more about who's got more energy left than anything else. Levi seems to have some energy left, the way he's been riding these last stages.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 7:57 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I got you now
that sounds reasonable... LL was well protected for much of the race, could not go with ~:> as Bert did and Cattle looked on the rivet most of last week.
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 28, 2007 8:00 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I still have energy left
to write " energy left" one more time. Sorry about that.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 8:00 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

depressing factoid from Bobby J.:
"Some of my younger CSC teammates pointed out to me that 80 percent of the riders who have been on the Tour podium over the past 10 years have been either caught doping or admitted to it."

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 8:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well
Now maybe people will stop saying that doping is new to cycling.
Come on you Gunners.

by callmecayce on Jul 28, 2007 8:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cancellara comments
after the finish. He said it had started to rain and the wet roads made him a little cautious. I don't think it will matter in the end, he probably wasn't on his best day. Says he will try to ride agressively tomorrow.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 8:15 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

two bike changes for Millar
what is it with mech issues during TT's ?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

two bikechanges
Did he ride into a ditch, yell at his mechanic and do the full Chicken-impersination?

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 8:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw the first one
Mavic disk wheel fell apart right out of the start house.  I don't know the deal w/ the other change.

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:36 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah
I just hope he doesn't give up because of the mechanicals... I guess a top 10 stage finish really isn't worth it, though, if you can't win. Especially when the GC doesn't matter.

by BDBrian on Jul 28, 2007 8:27 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CN reporting
that Cattle is using a 55x11 today... tailwind baby!

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 8:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

csc
really riding like a clean team this year, no? guys like Cance getting tired like normal humans, after 3 weeks. strangely reassuring.
C.F.A.

by Lili on Jul 28, 2007 8:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just tuned in
In the first 10 minutes Phil has identified the leader as "Paul Hoste" and, just now, "Frank Hoste."

by NE Observer on Jul 28, 2007 8:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar has had the Tour of Job
Sun Allergy, TT bikes disintigrate, I hope he can win on the Champs.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 8:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blue Jersey
Someone on another site (forget where) kept track of the Blue Jersey for the most Mechanical incidents during Le Tour. ~:> won it 2 years in a row. I think   Millar would have it this year.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 8:55 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yet another word on the ads
The word is: Marriages.  I've grown oddly fond of the couple in the "Take it all off" paint tape ads, the ones who do their living room in subtle green stripes (not so crazy about the orange attic room color though).  I give their union a good chance.  But the two in the Hampton Court spot....  I worry.  An imbecile woman being taken on an outing by a dutiful companion.  The way she bounces around in the canoe is the killer, although her tic-like behavior on the Ferris wheel is pretty disconcerting too.  What's the back story here?  Is it the sequel to Light in the Piazza?  (She's not pretty enough and he doesn't look Italian enough.)

The old man who had a problem is back!  Problem still undisclosed.  At least our friend Bob sometimes gets to go the distance.

(This is what the early stages of an ITT will do.)

by NE Observer on Jul 28, 2007 9:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Remember when
all we had was Lincoln and O'Berto beef jerky commercials?  Or the naked Bob Roll ones...

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 9:31 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My wife and I
are currently doing some painting in the house.  There's no dancing around.  It's misery, and each time this commercial comes on, I want to puke.
Born from Jets...

by ssmith on Jul 28, 2007 10:03 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Johann
best director in the world??

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 9:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Morning all
<goes to put the coffee on>
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chris Horner
15th place overall.  Great tour for him

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 9:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Leif Garrett
challenging Leif Hoste's time
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Morning all!
What a day.

Just in time to watch Thomas Dekker win the race.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn
Nope. Nice tongue though.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dekk
What's Dutch for "tongue"?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 9:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dekker the Younger
almost took it

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ads
I have friends in Chelsea. Their conversations aren't that stupid.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Uh oh
Bad hair day at the first time check. Karpets by 4"
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 9:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that's OK Jose
has blazed through the 1st check in 1st.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

:-D
For now, he's making me look good.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:04 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guti
looks like he's on fire in that Spanish Champs skinsuit. Literally. Someone called him  yesterday. Not bad...

Horner 3rd @ 1st timecheck. Came out too fast?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maurice Fothen
comes in. Get Phil a coffee...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Valverde rolls out now
I wonder which noted non-time trialist will catch him today. My money's on Sastre.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Real Rennaissance" in Spanish Cycling
So soon after OP?
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're Not Doing That Well
Only 13 Spanish riders in the top-23 overall, so it's not like they're dominating or, er...

by sylvan on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa
Skinny little Bernhard Kohl riding a great time trial.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Euskatel kit
makes them look as if they have plumber's ass.

by NE Observer on Jul 28, 2007 10:11 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

looks like those jeans with windows
in the back. Or was that just a movie?
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:13 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi Leaving
Levi leaving the starting gate.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hincapie into 1st!
Great ride for George stomping a huge gear all the way.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hink looking good
riding a very big gear
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hincapie in with best time
but Karpets is about to vacuum him up
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hincapie comes in
first! He beat his fellow classicsman Hoste to take the lead.

Karpets puts 31 seconds into Guti though, 2nd time check.

Evans going off now. Hoo boy!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's Ca-del mate!
He's lining up. Looks focused, not nervous.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here comes Cadel
Cadel Evans is about to leave hes definately my tip for today because he has the most to ride for.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In a tour
marked by incredibly ugly Oakly sunglasses (even more than doping scandals) I'm surprised that Cadel's red frames aren't so bad.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel starting out hard!
This is going to be a thrilling TT finish! (I hope)
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel isn't on the 11 yet
just warming up the legs.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gerdemann, Schumacher, & Dekker
having a very fine finish for the young dudes. I don't see a time for gusev, but I imagine he'll be up there too.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador
Can you imagine what was going thru his mind at the starthouse? What a story...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

C'mon Jose
I want shoe covers like that
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guti
See if he's still up on Hink. Damn, that kit is powerful stuff. I don't think he has it.

Nope, he does. Beats Hincapie by 6".

The Mullet of Moscow is going to ace them all in a moment though.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What Game Play?
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:25 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn they never stay
on the riders long enough to really tell how they are doing.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vlad is driving a stake into 'em
31 secs at time check 2
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think I'll be dissappointed regardless
of the outcome today. While I'm rooting for Bert, and would love to see LL pull off a miracle, it will be a good day for cycling if Evans ends up overtaking Bert.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador
w/in 3" of Evans at first check. Pretty good sign, though since the entire Tour is riding on it, the rather casual delivery of information is lame.

Do they mean that Levi has 50" on Evans?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi
Only 50 seconds "virtually" behind Cadel Evans. Thats a catch up of 9 seconds. He's catching him, but is this a tactic to try and scare evans into pushing to hard when e doesn't need to?
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK nevermind
nobody's at the check yet.

Yaro-Pop was 3rd there. Ripping up the road.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kim Kirchen 2 sec slower than Karpets
at the check!
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice!
That guy has done some hard riding this year. He was strong for pretty much all of April too.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gotta thank him on behalf of my VDS-team
Thought he would earn points in April, not in March and most definately not in July! Chapeau

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 10:48 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel
goes to 55x11
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You techies drive me nuts with these calls.
How the hell can you tell? Is is something I can only realistically learn hands-on?

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pereiro going well
Thankfully it matters not at all.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Trying to guess Cadel's Cadence
80? maybe, they don't stay on them long enough to really tell. 80 in a 55x11 = ~31 mph/ 50 kph
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel is right on the tip
of the saddle--that's gotta hurt.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi
LL goes through the first time check first.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi
19 mins and 36 seconds just to be precise
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi 1st at time check
by 45 seconds!!!!!!
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

pls ignore my math
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:37 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Reason # ? to respect Cadel:
from CN:

Before the start of today's crucial Time Trial and, without doubt, the most important 55 kilometres he has ever ridden, Cadel Evans told Cyclingnews' John Trevorrow that his shoulder was still sore from the collision near the end of yesterday's stage.

"It's pretty sore actually but I'm alright. It was a bit of a scare last night as it was quite inflamed. But it will be fine. No excuses."

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dayum
the leaders are flying!!!
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Time check
19:49 +14 on LL.

Sastre is riding hard!

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holy shit!
Go Levi!!! Wowowowow... Jens has called it so far.

Evans only 14" down.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans
19.49 for evans a very solid time i can't see levi holding this.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow...
this is going to be an incredible battle. Long way to go.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LL's hating his 3 sec loss yesterday
and 10 sec penalty from the alps right about now.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bad Hair Day!
Karpets into first.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Vlad beating JIG
So that puts the CdE guys at the top, closely followed by the Paris-Roubaix crowd (Hinc, Hoste, Cance), and the peach-fuzz boyz (Dekker, Schumi, Gerdemann)
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:40 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Apparently
Cael has over 30 seconds on Contador. And Karptets comes in first. over 30 seconds in front of the previous best time.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why
are you about a minute ahead of me? Are you watching a feed? Is VS slow? Are you taking performance enhancers?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:44 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre giving up nothing
to Zubeldia. Everybody is riding HARD
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sorry make that levi
He has lost over 30 seconds from Levi not Cadel my bad.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador 3rd!
22" behind Evans at 17km. So far so good... but he won't have a lot of time to play with. And there's a long way to go still.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oooooooooh
this is gonna be CLOSE!!!!!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

those 3 seconds...
will it haunt Contador?

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:42 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You'd think he'd have learned his lesson
after Paris-Nice.

You GOTTA pay attention!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:43 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why can't we get
COMMERCIAL-FREE coverage for the last 45 minutes?

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watch the NOS
video feed.  It'll get you thru the commercials, but it's a couple minutes behind VS, I think
Born from Jets...

by ssmith on Jul 28, 2007 10:51 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Demol
shouting motivational speeches into the earphones. One more reason to outlaw race radios.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

intermediate #1 17.5 km (of 55.5 km)
*  1.USA LEIPHEIMER L.
      111
      DSC
      00:19:36
* 2.AUS EVANS C.
      41
      PRL
      00:19:50
      00:00:14 x 3.17 = 44 sec
* 3.ESP CONTADOR A.
      112
      DSC
      00:20:12
      00:00:36 x 3.17 = 114 sec
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That is amazing
but can LL keep that up?
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:47 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi looks smoove
fantastic. I think he can hold that pace.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi
riding the modified Landis position, arms angled slightly up but not as severely as his countryman.

Contador losing 1.2" per KM to Evans, Paul says. That will keep the Accountant safe. Evans isn't doing it... yet.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel might be holding
something in reserve, too. you never know.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel looks more tortured
and Contador isn't losing time fast enough.

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel always looks like that
so it's hard to judge. but his effort doesn't seem good enough.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last 5kms could be the difference
I think that Levi might die off in the last five but will Contador. Evans looks strong and in his last five on the last time trial he was even faster than Vino all doped up.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:49 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think Cadel's incident after the stage yesterday
has affected him (shoulder bruise) enough to make a difference.  Pred-Lotto was downplaying it, but it definitely played at least a psychological part in the TT prep.

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Was that
On the Rivet with the helmet horns? That'd be a nice story: gets married, honeymoons in France, brings his helmet with 12-foot-high antlers and chases down American riders. Respect.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I only wish
Sorry, back at home and watching on TV like the rest of you.  Would have been a great end to the honeymoon, though, thanks for the idea.

by OnTheRivet on Jul 28, 2007 11:59 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What happened to Cadel yesterday?
I totally missed it, whatever it was...
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 10:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i posted this above
from CN:

Before the start of today's crucial Time Trial and, without doubt, the most important 55 kilometres he has ever ridden, Cadel Evans told Cyclingnews' John Trevorrow that his shoulder was still sore from the collision near the end of yesterday's stage.

"It's pretty sore actually but I'm alright. It was a bit of a scare last night as it was quite inflamed. But it will be fine. No excuses."

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 10:53 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans vs Contador
Apparently Evans has caught 44 seonds on Contador according to Paul and Phil.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder if the sprint
time bonuses will count tomorrow!
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its a lot to put on AC at 24
(the LA in the car doesn't help, in my opinion)

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel hit a spectator
asking for an autograph after stage 18

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi
Levi sets best time by a minute and 12 seconds.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi at 35km
First by 1.12! He is fucking tearing it up. He absolutely should win the stage... n/s about the Tour yet...

Can I say once more, Holy sheit!!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God Evans
looks fast on a TT bike.

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, Levi has shut up
a LOT of his detractors today.

Whatever happens, Levi put in a tremendous performance with the race on the line.

I'm still pulling for Cadel, but respect for LL

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 10:55 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sastre is
quietly riding an awesome TT.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador in trouble?
Paul now says Evans is gaining fast enough.

20km to go for Levi. No hair replaces bad hair on the stage podium.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

boy the next half hour
will redeem all my pessimism about being a cycling fan after Vinorasmusmoreni-gate!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 10:57 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What the hell will Disco say
if Contador fails and LL takes yellow? "We had faith in you all along Levi"......Leipheimer pees himself laughing and leaves the room

by Jens on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we always said
that Levi could podium.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:00 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans TT second check
Evans has come through the second time check at  40 mins and 19 thats 35 seconds slower than levi
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel at 2nd check
35" behind Levi!!

He might just thread the needle. At this rate he won't lose that last 25" in the last 20km... or will he?

I can't believe how close all this is. I just can't believe it. There's never been anything like this before, has there?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Subaru
Bears attacking...

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 10:59 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh Good...
A pennzoil commercial!

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador
Contador has come through the second time check at 41 mins 13 seconds.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 11:01 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lance's advice from the car
Pedal faster!!!! High cadences win the Tour!
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No lack of Drama today!!!!
Holding my breath for Contador's time.

Absolutly best possible results: Stage win for Levi, Yellow for Cadel.

I'm on the edge of my sofa...

I can't imagine being in Contador's shoes, on the rivit, losing time, coach screaming in my ear, feeling the race slip slip slip away...

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador, pick it up!
Razor-thin margins all around...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi
hurrying to finish so he doesn't have to listen to Demol anymore.

Phil: Contador's energy draining... Wouldn't be a shock.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Demol...
jeez is that all they do?  Venga, Venga, Venga...

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Over/Under
I figured the Accountant needed to be 41:30 at the 35 km split to match Levi at the finish, so he has about 17 seconds in hand.  Yikes.  It's gonna be close.

by sylvan on Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LL just wants to finish
so he doesn't have to listen to Dirk anymore
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I keep expecting Dirk to break out
in a chorus of "VENGA VENGA VENGA"

If I was riding an ITT w/ Saiz screaming at me, I think I'd stop and garotte him w/ my chain. I think Levi may be considering the same w/ demol.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:06 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Next stage
We can see that even now the final stage should be a doozy

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whose your tip from here?
Its so close its hard to tell but i think Evans may have kept something in reserve i think it will either be Levi, cadel and contador podium or cadel, levi, contador.
Burger

by Burger on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've lost respect for Phil
Too much blatant cheering to follow up his sad-bastard whitewash of the problems.

I think he's just a relic of the earlier era, absolute best in the English speaking world, but in an era where the riders pretended to be clean and the journos pretended to believe them.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Categorize him
He's a play-by-play man, not an editorialist. I always thought that when he did opinion stuff he sounded like, well, what you said. But in the moment, he's still the same guy more or less.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what would you say
without any official announcement...?

by orangekick on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well
I wouldn't say twice in one tour "well they've caught all the cheaters now" after two scandals.

I missed the AM stage the other day and Al FREAKING Troutwig called him on that. He said something like "Wait a minute Phil, didn't you say that Sunday in London? Are you serious?"

My jaw dropped. Al Trautwig showing up Phil for his whitewash veneer.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

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

well, I don't find
these announcers appalling for their "misplaced" optimism-- if they weren't optimistic they'd make the telecast too gloomy to watch.

let the tests knock the riders out.

by orangekick on Jul 28, 2007 11:15 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yaro-pop
Comes in2nd. Disco are running away and hiding with the yellow numbers.

Soler sighting! Yay!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Soler comes in
still in the race.  Doped?  Who knows?

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dope?
Nope!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All a hoax
No positive test, no raid at the Barloworld hotel, the press conference was ASO telling the UCI to go peform an intimate act on themselves.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hold it!
[sarcasm]I thought rumors were the final word in doping?

You mean someone might not have been caught????[/sarcasm

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually
I heard he ran out the back door in a towel and hid in the bushes. They couldn't find him so he was cleared to keep racing.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmmm
Maybe Flomax could help me spend more time in front of the TV watching commercials.

by sylvan on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why are they eating sausages
in the FloMax ads? That is kind of creepy...
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2nd time check (35.0 of 55.5 km)
* 1.USA LEIPHEIMER L.
      111
      DSC
      00:39:44
* 2.AUS EVANS C.
      41
      PRL
      00:40:19
      00:00:35 x 1.58 = 55 sec
* 3.RUS KARPETS V.
      15
      GCE
      00:40:57
      00:01:13
* 4.UKR POPOVYCH Y.
      118
      DSC
      00:41:12
      00:01:28
* 5.ESP CONTADOR A.
      112
      DSC
      00:41:13
      00:01:29 x 1.58 = 140 seconds (slowed from 114 seconds at previous check)
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

D'oh
Sastre is flying and LL just caught 3 minutes on him.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wowowow
Levi blows past Carlos for 3'.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can I just say
GO LEVI!!!!!!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador not looking
too bad. Sastre grabs Levi's wheel. Bit of a climb, Levi's rhythm off a tad.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

El batilble
comes in, not terrible.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

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

Next time check sooooon
Why does't' Valverdre ride a better TT?

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

the Devil only gave him
three wishes when he sold his soul.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

a mechanical problem
would KILL any of the 3 now.

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this could be
the Disco Show

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Demol
Geez he's going nuts!

by ursula on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disco cars
pass Sastre. That's why they were showing him... stuck trying to get to Levi.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi 10 second penalty
VN makes a good point: what if the tour is decided by that 10 second penalty Levi got in the Alps?

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what ifs
no time for them!

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi ahead of Evans?
6km to go. Paul says they were within 10" overall on the road.

Unbeliveable. 6km to go for Levi and we have no idea what's going to happen.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LL going flat out
thru the corners

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So...
has there been a 50.1km time check all day? News to me.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1 km to go
that was quick!
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More Demol
Has Levi really had to listen to that all day? Yikes.

Levi in last km.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LEVI!!!!!
Straining hard, stands up for the last little rise.

1.02.44!!

Unbelievable ride!!!!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi to the tent
"Give me all the tests you got biches!"

by nick800 on Jul 28, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

53.1 kph! wow! (32.9)
almost as fast as Cancellara's prologue speed. amazing.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Media pounces
on poor Levi. Does he get a chance to breathe??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

C'MON CADEL
this finish has got to be agony
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two men left
Contador hasn't lost yellow yet, not to Evans.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans needs 33"
And Phil says he ain't gonna get it.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:19 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cadel needs
1.03.43

Or he's behind Levi.

So freaking close...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CADEL
Defends his position!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Evans comes home now...
Can he hang on to a place ahead of Levi??

30

35

1.03.35!!!

He held off Levi Leipheimer!  Now, is he in Yellow??

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:21 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador still
running 5th overall. Needs to ride an inspired finish.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn, attention to detail
the 10 seconds in the Alps and 3 seconds for falling asleep at the finish yesterday may cost Levi a place.

Just like 2005. Damn shame, that was an amazing ride today!!!

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2 km to go
for Contador... It will be close. He might be able to do it, perhaps.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador now
Zips thru that roundabout quickly

Needs 1.05.24. I think he'll beat that. In that case the podium doesn't change today, but if they're all within a few seconds of each other, tomorrow will be madness.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last KM!!
1.03.43

He should finish just in time. It's slightly uphill, though that should benefit him.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Contador hammering!!
Suddenly looks great! It's going to be close, but he's determined.

Out of the saddle. Here he comes in...

1.05.02!!!!!!!

He wins the Tour by 23 seconds!! I don't think they can challenge him tomorrow!

Wow...

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

damn
The kid hangs on. Brilliant rides all 'round.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We can hope.
It helps that the sprinters could be uninterested any more in points if Boonen has it sewn up.

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

nope. all done!
Champange, please!

by bike to live on Jul 28, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

from CN
Provisional standings

Finish - km 55.0
1 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Channel      1.02.45 (53.068 km/h)
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto               0.50
3 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Caisse d'Epargne         1.56
4 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Discovery Channel       2.01
5 Alberto Contador (Spa) Discovery Channel        2.18
6 Iván Gutiérrez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne           2.26
7 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel         2.32
8 Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne            2.35
9 Leif Hoste (Bel) Predictor - Lotto              2.48
10 Mikel Astarloza (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi        2.49

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow!
an amazing TT. The podium is probably set. I can't imagine PDL will try any crazy tactics tomorrow.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

more from CN

In the general classification, Contador holds on by 23" over Evans. Leipheimer is 31" back, so there's just 8" between second and third overall...

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

awesome stage
if levi could just want it that bad during the whole race...

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Plus
a :03 time gap at the finish yesterday.

:13 seconds he didn't have to lose.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:32 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK
but he probably gained 5" at least by his actions, right? Eh...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:32 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

may be...
LL said it was a legit penalty

by mobilegoat on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ask him again
I wonder what he say now
Team Bobke's Spleen - Who wants to be stranded with a flat tire?

by Jimbo... on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup,
He's got to watch those details...
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:31 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow!
Well, it's a good thing I left Contador off my VDS team after coming close to picking him. If it's really 23 seconds, that should prevent any shenanigans from happening tomorrow. Evans won't outsprint the sprinters, and Disco can just stick Hincapie on his wheel in case he tries to get away. George can take the time bonuses off him and nullify whatever Evans might try.

If it were under 20", then the final time bonus would potentially decide the Tour. But over 20", I don't think so.

Obviously this is only the second closest Tour ever, closer than the Roche Tour but not in LeMond/Fignon territory (8"). But has the third place rider ever been this close? I think this is the most amazing 3-way race ever.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hats off to all three of them
they all put in HUGE performances.

Levi won the day

Cadel defended his position

Alberto defended his jersey

Brilliant, brilliant rides.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

time penalty was unfortunate
but every stage counts.  i know he had a bit more in the tank along the race that he could have drawn from

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Accountant
beats Guti. Respect.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How sacrosanct
is the "no race" rule tomorrow? I mean, will we see any hustling by LL for time bonuses, or is it pretty much guaranteed to be a gentlemen's ride to Paris?

And c'mon --- chapeau to LL! Nineteen days deep and he pulls off a sensational TT win!

Even with all the scandals, I think the racing in this Tour has been phenomenal.

j

by 72andSunny on Jul 28, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think
disco will keep a tight leash on tomorrow's stage

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Levi's first stage win
Just in time too. He'll be hard-pressed to match this performance next year. Great way to cap his career.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

see
races with clean riders are more exciting (provided that no one comes up positive in the next 24 hours)

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Not gonna pull a vinokourov on him"
Classy Levi. He plans to stand down tomorrow. Though Evans can't catch yellow, in all likelihood, Levi could find 9" in a few places. But he won't.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed
Levi is a mensch, no doubts about it.

the "I'm not going to pull a Vinokourov" comment seals it.

Nothing wrong with pulling a Vinokourov, that's racing, but Levi lives and dies by his own rules. Respect to him for doing that.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As for tactics
It's hard to criticize the race he rode. Like the Fla elections, when things get this close you can always say "if only x, y, or z was different,..." If only Levi had taken a bit more time in this place or that...

But the fact is he rode conservatively so that he would nail the last few stages. He bided (bode?) his time, and the result is a huge TT. Had he been battling all thru the Alps, it's not likely he'd have been as fresh.

You can pretty much say the same about Evans too. So conservative riding is maybe pretty smart?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:50 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there's conservative
and there's ultra conservative.  one of the problems is the failure of many teams to pick a leader.  it is much more effective to use your team to support one person, rather than having top riders fend for themselves.

kudos to cadel.  a testament to what a great rider he is.  he had a fabulous tour and did it without the resources or riders that disco or csc has

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:59 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Speaking for myself...
the mistrust and disrespect will continue. those are based on actions.

the respect for his ability as a DS is maintained. However you feel about his methods, the man knows how to win a bike race.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate mistrusting the guy, but you and others
here have opened my eyes to a lot about the state of cycling that I would never have known otherwise. I don't have your wealth of knowledge or historical context to be able to make any definitive statements about JB and others, so I appreciate your input as it helps me look at the sport with a more critical (skeptical) eye. Cheers.

by Scott. on Jul 28, 2007 11:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't imagine PDL going for
time bonuses, etc... it's just too unlikely.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he has gotten better
and better each year.  what is this, his 3rd tour?  4th?

by cyclewife on Jul 28, 2007 11:44 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Meh, I think he'd go for it.
No disprect to Horner, but he's a battler, a combatant.

I approve of Levi's statement, but I also approved of Vino stealing his lunch money. This is a competition after all, and the race goes not always to the swift.

So, I like Horner but I think he'd be down for some battlin'

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 11:47 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

huh?
chronic wheel suckage and surprise attacks for meaningless placings are admirable in the Koppenberg racing book. sportsmanship and chivalry, not so much?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:52 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Both, sorta
My hat goes off to sportsmen like Jens (not there is anyone like Jens) who decline to take advantage of others. Like when he didn't contest the sprint for that Giro stage when Garate pulled him up the mountain.

My hat also goes off to sportsmen like Vino in 2005 who refuse to concede the race until the very last moment. He never, never, never quit. That says a lot about him.

I even have a guilty respect for sneaky and crafty riders like Toto who suck wheels and sucker poor sods into doing all the work and then steal the glory. Winning with guile is nearly as impressive as winning with talent.

Horner is a competitive dude. That means he's been a hot head sometimes, but what fuels that is a competitive fire. I was annoyed w/ him for bitching about Sylvain Chavanel a few years back, but I respect his drive.

So I'll complain if a guy doesn't work in a break and then sprints to win, but that's racing and a win is a win. I respect honorable behavior, but that doesn't make it ok to volunteer to be a victim. You've got to watch your ass at all times, that is part of racing too.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 28, 2007 12:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chekc
About the only truly verboten act is sitting in a break, refusing to help it succeed, when nobody in the break is a threat to your team, and then winning. It's rarely this black and white.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 4:48 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is complicated
which is one of the great things about cycling.

Jens manages to get into lots of breaks, probably because he's willing to work. If a chronic wheel sucker gets in a break, it's not as likely to get anywhere, so my guess is that the wheel suckers don't get in as many breaks. I'm just pissed about wheel suckers because I race with more than a few.

And from my personal experience, wheel suckers have a hard life, at least in our little local peleton--everyone knows who they are, and they are not beloved characters. If one is on the back through a turn--where else would they be? If I happen to be there, I might keep my brakes on a little longer than necessary so they have to sprint to get back on. While the folks who work all the time get help when they need it. The draft in the pack is a strange little world.

As for the Champs duel, I guess if I were the PDL DS, I'd tip my king over and wait for next year--go back with a Cadel oriented team.

But Horner is saying "game on!":

When asked if he felt the GC-contenders would race for it Horner didn't hesitate a moment. "Wouldn't you?" Horner asked, "I've never seen anyone not race for it if it's going to be that close. Thirty seconds is not do-able, twenty maybe is do-able but everything under that is definitely do-able." With a 23 second gap separating first and second overall, and eight back from second to third will the gentleman's agreement hold in to Paris?

PDL doesn't have an impressive leadout train but they probably have more last kilometer firepower than Disco. If they could split the field in the last few kilometers, it's possible that the QS and CA trains could blow the race apart.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 9:11 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep
it would be the act of a poor sport.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 28, 2007 11:48 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks to all
for the great turnout here today and every day!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 11:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks for running
such a great cycling blog. Wish I had found you sooner!

by Chilltown on Jul 28, 2007 11:50 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My wife
says that all the time...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 12:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

p.s.
no she doesn't.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 28, 2007 12:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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