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Around SBN: The Amateur Mathematics Of Linsanity

Le Tour '07: London Prologue Live!!

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_tiny by Chris Fontecchio on in News

Oh, so sweet to write those words. We actually made it to the start of a Tour de France without the sport drowning itself in a new scandal! Actually, wait a moment, I should check...

Nope! Nuthin! In the world of strange coincidences, yesterday was a new traffic record here at the Podium Cafe, breaking the record set, um, last year the day before the Tour. Thankfully, it has more to do with Google News than bags of blood.

Anyway, today is a day to celebrate the start of a new Tour, the undisputed high mark of the Cycling calendar no matter how exciting things might get at the Giro or de Ronde. I can't remember looking forward to a prologue this much. Here's your live thread to discuss the race in real time... let's get started!

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Woohoo
It's like Christmas morning!  Or maybe a brand new bone to chew.  This tail is wagging big time.
The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Jul 7, 2007 7:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Morning to all
Going out for a ride, got the Tivo Set. Ought to be a fun day!

Prediction: Z man

by CannonDowell on Jul 7, 2007 8:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Just waiting right now
Thank god for Live Earth. That'll take some of the boredom out of the now 1:10 wait.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 8:22 AM EDT reply actions  

CSC have all weather insurance
Dave Z starts early at 16:00 and Tony M late at 18:06.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 8:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Wimbledon was sunny
yesterday in the evening, what's the weather like now?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

For the prologue challengers out there
I'm not sure about our 5 turn rule:
The winner of the opening day two years ago has not yet tested the opening route in London. "I hope to see the course [on Saturday before the late prologue start]," he said. "I will ride it as many times possible. Dave Millar told me it has maybe one turn where you will have to feather the brakes a little bit, but other than that there are wide-open boulevards and it is pretty straight forward."
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 8:43 AM EDT reply actions  

London weather
Sunny, high of 71, winds from the west at 12 mph. Out into the wind, back with the wind. Most of the course is probably sheltered by buildings and trees.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day_f.shtml?world=0008

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 8:50 AM EDT reply actions  

checking out Yahoo cycling photos
while waiting for Versus coverage to start right now. I've been in Trafalgar Square on New Years before, but the party atmosphere going on in London right now looks so much better. Man, do I wish I could be there.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 8:52 AM EDT reply actions  

Last night
Last night for me was a great appetizer: USA-Brazil U-20 match.  Man was the crowd electric for that game!  And what a game!  

Now comes the main course.

by ursula on Jul 7, 2007 9:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Who won?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

USA 2-1
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

God bless
those teenagers! Somebody has to take BRazil down a peg.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions  

Good morning all!
I just woke up from the weirdest dream: I was sitting down to watch the prologue and they were holding a mass-start race. Also, the riders were carrying all sorts of crap with them, like a change of clothes. Nobody knew why.

God doesn't like me enough to have that swordfish spear one of these guys, does he?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:29 AM EDT reply actions  

Translation
Ah, Versus.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

My house is clean,
the laundry's done, the bills are paid, and hubby went fishing...I am so ready for this!  Good morning everyone.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 9:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Here we go!
Can we agree that 2006 will be remembered mostly for Robbie McEwen's running-man victory celebration?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply actions  

Yeah
It was the most memorable non-doping thing.

Well, that, and Jens winning over Pereiro after pulling all day, and after Pereiro wheel-sucked for almost the whole day. That's hard to forget.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yes!
As I recall, Jens was yelling at Pereiro for sucking his wheel, even during the final sprint.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions  

Does Trautwig even follow this
sport in other months?  The show isn't five minutes old and he's mis-spoken about three things so far....  I'm missing Anthony and Brian already!
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 9:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Eurosport going live in 25 mins
thats probably when you get live pics as well

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 9:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Morning all
Ruthann is right... I miss Anthony and Brian as well... and here come the commercials.  
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Oh god
The first Canterbury Tales joke... Dear lord. How many of those will we get over the course of tomorrow?

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Floyd plans comeback?
I wonder if that means regardless of any sanction he might be getting.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 9:44 AM EDT reply actions  

well,
he's already served a year.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

i'm so confused by all the different
governing bodies and which ones hand out penalties. I don't follow it closely because it all just turns my stomach. But what sanction is he serving now, and are there more to come if USADA rules against him?

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

Rabo DS Breukink
interviewed on Menchovs chances on Eurosport. He looked about as excited as Vino after a big win.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 9:48 AM EDT reply actions  

Trautwigged
shit, I forgot all about that dude. After the lilting voices of anthony and brian, it's like listening to a bus start up
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply actions  

Uggh
I want to just get to Phil and Paul, without Bobke and Trouthead

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

what's with the suits?
just doesn't go well with cycling for me
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 9:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Disco in Green
So, what do we think? I had assumed bikes were carbon neutral already, but you learn something new every Tour.

I'm for it I guess.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions  

I missed that bit
what's the story? They plant a tree for every bike they sell or something like that?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think it's 30 per stage win
And 30 per day in any sort of jersey. Which could be a lot, or could be very few, depending on whether they go kaboom like last year.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

not sure
Either they've replaced fossil fuels on the bus, or yeah, the tree thing. Or they're buying carbon credits from Agritubel.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Teamcars a'la Flintstones?
Eki could probably pull it off, on flat stages at least.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions  

all a bit silly to me.
what's next, are they going to stop wearing fur in their TT suits also?

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions  

Londres...
When do they move on to London?

I wonder what the French word for Seattle is?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions  

The starting times - For who we care about.most
Bert Grabsch (Ger) T-Mobile Team                                    15:19
Chris Horner (USA) Predictor-Lotto                                  15:38
Stuart O'grady (Aus) Team CSC                                       15:39
Axel Merckx (Bel) T-Mobile Team                                     15:40
Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) Astana                                       15:44
David Zabriskie (USA) Team CSC                                      16:00
Vladimir Gusev (Rus) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team             16:34
Rik Verbrugghe (Bel) Cofidis, le Credit Par Telephone               16:52
Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC                                           17:03
Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne                           17:05
Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz) Astana                                      17:08
Daniele Bennati (Ita) Lampre-Fondital                               17:19
Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC                                        17:24
Kim Kirchen (Lux) T-Mobile Team                                     17:25
Stef Clement (Ned) Bouygues Telecom                                 17:36
George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team            17:37
Thomas Dekker (Ned) Rabobank                                        17:43
Leif Hoste (Bel) Predictor-Lotto                                    17:44
Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC                                        17:45
Mark Cavendish (GBr) T-Mobile Team                                  17:46
Geraint Thomas (GBr) Barloworld                                     17:48
David Millar (GBr) Saunier Duval - Prodir                           17:49
Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana                                   17:50
Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram                                        17:51
Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step - Innergetic                            17:52
Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Française Des Jeux                          17:53
Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Liquigas                                      17:54
Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone             17:55
Nicolas Vogondy (Fra) Agritubel                                     17:56
Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bouygues Telecom                             17:57
Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team            17:58
Thor Hushovd (Nor) Credit Agricole                                  17:59
Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner                                18:00
Alessandro Ballan (Ita) Lampre-Fondital                             18:01
Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi                           18:02
Christophe Moreau (Fra) Ag2r Prevoyance                             18:03
Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                                        18:04
Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto                                   18:05
Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC                                    18:06
Michael Rogers (Aus) T-Mobile Team                                  18:07
Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne                                18:08

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:02 AM EDT reply actions  

Thanks!
You just beat me to it. CN Mhas the list.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yay!
We're off! And I'm already getting motion sickness from that camera.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Unbelievable crowd
But what's with the picture breakup?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

traffic furniture
could make life bad for guys who bury their heads.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Bad image
I prefer to think of the old Monty Python routine where they were attacking people.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nothing like the sound of the
disc wheels during a TT!  (And I want my family to play the VS "Cyclism Sundays" theme at my funeral.  I'm totally serious.  Loud.  REALLY loud.  You know, to see me off properly.)
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply actions  

We have
enough witnesses here to make that legally binding, I think.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

Congrats on breaking your
record here yesterday!  Smashing good job.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions  

Degano sits up through the turns
I don't think Cance will be sitting like that.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Cance
eats turns like that for breakfast.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

GTFO my TV, Robbie
So... terrible...

"I think Floyd is innocent" <--- NO SHIT, he's Floyd's trainer!

Faybeean would love his pronounciation

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

yes, agreed
the riders fart -- all that methane gas

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

haha--seriously the caravan
the bidons tossed every which way, the helicopters. It's quite an energy intensive production.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions  

You know, I used to laugh
at those people with TV antennas on their vans, but I'd trade my car for one of those in a heartbeat, right now.  About to drive to Philly . . .

by Sui Juris on Jul 7, 2007 10:19 AM EDT reply actions  

If you hustle
you might catch Cancellara.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

Westminster Abbey, beautiful place
but brings back nightmares. I took my LSATs across the street from there.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 10:21 AM EDT reply actions  

Bonnet first over 50km/h
bad news for all of you riding the prologue challenge.....

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 10:22 AM EDT reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions  

no chance
we need to nix the corner penalty
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

Grabsch is off
Looking resplendent in his German TT champs kit. Is he in slow motion?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions  

Freire in
20 seconds down. He sure is a big slab of muscle.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 10:26 AM EDT reply actions  

Really enormous crowds, nice to see.
And Bert Grabsch looks great in the German TT champ kit.  He and his brother Ralph (Milram) are both riding the Tour.  That's pretty cool.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:27 AM EDT reply actions  

Roll = McAnnoying
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply actions  

Loved the Specialized/Boonen
commercial!  I won't get sick of that one.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions  

yes
finally, bike industry commercials... makes them a bit more bearable
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

that commercial
showed Boonen's entire TT training for 2007.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

Saab
I am just happy we dont have the Saab commercials this year.  Did you know Saab made jets?

by kalais on Jul 7, 2007 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

Horner starting
But who cares? Stuey is going after him!

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions  

Who is the triathlete in the
Cervelo commercial?
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Cervelo has
really done an excellent job building their brand. A couple of years ago, I had barely heard of them, now they are synonymous with ass kicking.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Il Falco on the course
Astarloza barely passes Bonnet's time, but I'm sure Stuey will surpass that.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply actions  

Aack!
O'Grady crashes! NOOOOOOO

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply actions  

OT: meanwhile, somewhere down
the street, Venus Williams just won Wimbledon again.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply actions  

He looks ok, though
no major damage, i hope.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow...
That's really funny, because we've had so many SAAB commercials here for the Tour de France.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, there's a cranky comment
earlier in the thread. Over here we suffer through Sidi commercials with Bettini every break.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Per CN's coverage, just posted:
15:52 BST    
O'Grady is fine - he's being interviewed after the finish, sounding philosophical about his wreck. "That's life," he told the French reporter.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions  

and he's 6 feet tall
and weighs 148 pounds

I'm 5,11" and 185 pounds...

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

when I raced (in my 20s)
I weighed 160

DZ is skinny, real f'n skinny.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions  

what are you...?
African...?

...and here I thought DZ was too thin.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nope,
just skinny. I wish I could report a fantastic power-to-weight ratio, but alas.

by 72andSunny on Jul 7, 2007 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

Nose plugs?
What's with Dave Z's nose plugs?

by 12string on Jul 7, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions  

secrets of speed
I need to get me some of those.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions  

me too
but I'm afraid I'd get ones that blocked when they should do the opposite, or vice-versa

by 12string on Jul 7, 2007 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

Bad time by Il Falco
He went slower than Bonnet. I guess he lost his Giro "form" (if you can call it that...)

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions  

dizzy's off
i'm not predicting great things, but I'm hoping for them.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 7, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply actions  

Karpets rolls out
The turbo mullet is in full flight.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply actions  

Are you telling me
a man who doesn't use mind-altering drugs chooses the kind of facialhair that Karpets has.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Dave Z's arms
are aerodynamically shaped. They look the the down tube of a cervelo

by 12string on Jul 7, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions  

Dave Z is flying!
He looks faster than Stuey, and it looks like he knows the course perfectly.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions  

Dave Z
Fastest time at halfway point. Glad the Wonderdog threw him off my team...

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

by TCWriter on Jul 7, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Dave Zee!!
Best @ 1st time check!

Here comes Karpets, for some compettition.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Karpets going strong
He went in at around the same time as Dave Z, and perhaps even faster.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions  

someone is going to turf it
right into one of those barricades.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply actions  

DZ
took no chances in the corners that spilled stuey
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 7, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Karpets matches Z
at time check/

Dave Z will set the new best here! 9:17, which Phil called at 1km to go.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Dave Z at 9:22
Versus was off by 5 seconds!?
How are they off by that much?

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Karpets
still matching DZ with 1km. Gonna be close. Who has the better speed on the open road?

Karpets coming in... 9:16! Beats it by 6 seconds!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:11 AM EDT reply actions  

Too late
to add Karpets to my VDS team?

by ssmith on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions  

ooh Vladmir,
be still my achy breaky heart.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Karpets at 9:16
Versus still off by 6 seconds!

The commentators seem to forget that Dave Z is better at long time trials than the prologues, and that Dave Z won a 20-something km time trial in the Tour de France, and doesn't really win prologues.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply actions  

Well, that's good
I must've been watching Live Earth for that half hour, then, because Dave Z should come out roaring in the two long TTs.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

whoa...!
Flying Karpets
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Haha
The first of probably many such jokes.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions  

Oy
We might be looking at some really bad hair on the podium today.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions  

Current Standings, per CN ticker:
1 Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)      09.16 (51.15 km/h)
2 David Zabriskie (Team CSC)               09.22
3 Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi)      09.23
4 William Bonnet (Crédit Agricole)         09.26
5 Paolo Savoldelli (Astana)                09.28
6 Tomas Vaitkus (Discovery Channel)        09.32
7 Sergio Paulinho (Discovery Channel)      09.34
8 Ronni Scholz (Gerolsteiner)              09.35
9 Thomas Lövkvist (Française Des Jeux)     09.38
10 Bert Grabsch (T-Mobile)                 09.43
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 11:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Dave Z on Eurosport
"Painful, I went 100%."
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions  

he also said
that he was tentative in the corners because of what happened to Stuey.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

Interesting
since Karpets must not have taken heed. Reminds me of the story of the old Russian riders learning to pedal thru corners, the implication being that they had less to lose in a massive crash than the more comfortable riders.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

pedalling thru corners
for the riders that are using short cranks only...

Karpets is a tall dude (long cranks), I suspect he just hustled harder out of the corners.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

Another excellent Specialized ad!
It's as if they were marketing to cycling fans.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Il Grillo sighting!
Specialized commercial. I think I'm gonna like these over the course of the Tour (well, not so much, since I'll be taping all but the Saturday stages and watching them later, but close enough)

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions  

Another excellent Petra Nimcova ad!
Moving right along...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions  

For those w/o TV
it's just a 30-second supermodel torso shot. In very poor taste.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

thanks
yes, much less classy then the male, um, performance problem ads

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

The novelty of the bike ads
might wear off eventually, but so far, I love being catered to.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions  

I love it
The VS promo for the tour ticks off the favorites. Their take on Menchov? "A winner needs a great team, and he's got one of the best!" Fucking beautiful.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions  

I need to get a start house
for the podium cafe prologue challenge.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions  

When I see the times today
I would think you guys would need to spend your money on a derny-pacer.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

If you live in a rural area...
You could probably scare up an outhouse and put it up on blocks. Call it the "half-moon" start house.

Your friends will be envious.

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

by TCWriter on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

Flemish flags
flying for Flecha.

I didn't just say that.

9.59 for Robbie. That might be our Prologue Challenge marker.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply actions  

Hey Pete
will you translate that Cervelo ad for me? Something about using lightweight screws.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions  

I again applaud the cyclist oriented commercials
including Petra of course
America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Upcoming
Gusev, Gadret, Vandevelde, Burghardt all getting ready to launch.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Gusev is gonna start soon
Looking forward to seeing how he rides. Hopefully he's still on the upswing, and can get a great time in the TT.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions  

Infomercial
Specialized. Born from jets.

Jets are reproductively active these days.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions  

Probably true
very few of them pull out on time.
Yearlong VDS Team: The Fighting Cocks - Tour only VDS Team: The Super Domestiques - Rah!

by bethie on Jul 7, 2007 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Oh shit!
Bethie, you are the Cancellara of comments.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fothen!
Second most popular VDS guy. He could ruin about 30 teams or so with a crash here.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions  

Could you post a complete list
of Tour VDS-picks like you did for the yearlong?

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

It's already posted.
Look down 2 or 3 threads from this one.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

You mean
a complete list of the numbers of teams for each rider? I didn't make one. Volunteers??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Current Standings, per CN Ticker:
1 Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)      09.16 (51.15 km/h)
2 David Zabriskie (Team CSC)               09.22
3 Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi)      09.23
4 William Bonnet (Crédit Agricole)         09.26
5 Paolo Savoldelli (Astana)                09.28
6 Tomas Vaitkus (Discovery Channel)        09.32
7 Antonio Colom (Astana)                   09.33
8 Sergio Paulinho (Discovery Channel)      09.34
9 Ronni Scholz (Gerolsteiner)              09.35
10 Philippe Gilbert (Française Des Jeux)   09.36
   Thomas Lövkvist (Française Des Jeux)    09.38
   Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)   09.38
   Bert Grabsch (T-Mobile)                 09.43
   Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel-Euskadi)       09.44
   Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile)               09.45
   Frederik Willems (Liquigas)             09.45
   Daniel Navarro (Astana)                 09.48
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Robbie and Freddy "Surf the Peleton"
According to the VN preview. They look for changes in energy and free rides from guys moving up the pack.

"We look for waves of riders and areas of comfort where we are not wasting energy, but where we still have a chance to win."

Cool philosophy.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions  

Woohoo!
Gusev goes in at the same time as Karpets at the halfway point.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply actions  

Gusev!!
Pips Karpets... in that horrible Russian champs kit... Nice ride!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions  

Horrible Russian TT Champ kit,
truly disgraceful.  Designed by the same guy who did SDV's shorts.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Freaking excellent! Woo hoo!
Go Goose!!!
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply actions  

I wonder if
he'll do a jackass cartwheel with his bike...?

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

George Hincapie plans to work
as a broadcaster following his retirement from cycling.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Big George looking
very lean.
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply actions  

Is it me
or does Big George look really thin? Might have been the sunglasses . . .

by ianmcw on Jul 7, 2007 11:46 AM EDT reply actions  

true
it has that same effect on Michael Moore when his wearing shades....

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

You gotta say,
Disco is looking sharp, three guys in the top 10, 4 in the top 15... course the big guns have yet to fire...

by 72andSunny on Jul 7, 2007 11:47 AM EDT reply actions  

George is TdF lean
I don't know how those guys do it.

They start off in the classics looking fit. By TdF time, they are skin, muscle, and sinew.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:48 AM EDT reply actions  

Upcoming
Gutierrez, Wegelius, Contador, Valjavec, and Jensie.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:51 AM EDT reply actions  

Iglinsky
looking like they shrink-wrapped him in that baby blue kit.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:52 AM EDT reply actions  

JI Gut
Within a second or so of best time. Let's see if he can close in less than a minute.

Here he comes... Nice kit, BTW, Spanish champs' kit

And he doesn't get it, 9 seconds down!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:54 AM EDT reply actions  

conditions must have improved
over the start-- we're seeing faster times...

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:54 AM EDT reply actions  

Wind
slowing down?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

or shifted
directions

morning wind to afternoon wind

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

or shifted because
of the rise in late afternoon temperatures

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Contador!
Let's see what he's got today. Could make things interesting.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Valverde, Kash and Di Gregorio
all coming in the next 10 mins or so.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:56 AM EDT reply actions  

Someone tell me why Disco
didn't replace all the blue with green. Now their kit looks terrible.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 11:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Dunno
although I'm sure the Tour doesn't want anyone going hog-wild with yellow, green or white.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

How can any team stand black
jerseys in the summer sun. Just baffles me.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Seems excessive
but then, it's not like the guys in light blue are having fun.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

In Canada we get
Bowflex after Bowflex commercials. I can change my life in as little as twenty minutes a day three times a week.
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Boogie gets started
thousands of Brits are overwhelmed with jealousy and shame.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:02 PM EDT reply actions  

What's up
with that circular open-air building by the river? Anyone know what that was?  A theater of some sort?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Thanks!
That's what came to mind, from my English lit days.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Voigt
Galloping off.

Contador comes in sixth! Very nice... for a climber.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply actions  

First kingpin
Valverde heads down the ramp.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Valv.Piti is starting
Let's see if the year without dope has done him well.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply actions  

The question on everyone's mind
Can Valverde make it all the way to the finish line today?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:06 PM EDT reply actions  

No
Not today, but Stage 2 and Stage 3, which I'm sure will have some roads from the classics. The cobbles are sure to kill him.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

VV
looking silky smoove.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Is the helicopter pilot
actually covering the race or just giving birds-eye views of London all day?  Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful city, but a shot of the race from time to time would be a bonus.  

by ssmith on Jul 7, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions  

Kashechkin!
off and punching it.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions  

DiGregorio goes
Let's see what the hype's about.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Jens coming home
with a good time banging the pedals.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Jens
looking like he's wrapping up another 200km break. Horrible style. 24th today so far.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Kashakeen.....Kashaykin... fighting it
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 12:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Valverde comes in
He's gonna drop 20 seconds to the winners. Whatever.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Valverde respectable
performance. Not the top of the pile, but a competent ride.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:15 PM EDT reply actions  

V nice SRAM ad
Sold, I'll take it!

by mobilegoat on Jul 7, 2007 12:17 PM EDT reply actions  

shifting
one gear at a time-- not good enuff for me.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

SRAM Commercial??
Wow. SDV featured. Not aiming at the mass audience with that one.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Bet...
Ad rates have fallen far enough in the post-Lance era that cycling companies now find the time attractive...

Fun to see, but maybe not the best news for the sport...

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

by TCWriter on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Do you think Gasquet can take
Federer -- oops, wrong channel, England swings.

by NE Observer on Jul 7, 2007 12:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Dai Benna!
The key to my strategy. Even though I swore I wouldn't rely on any Italians in France.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Levi is tranquil
in this interview. Very chill. Probably a good sign.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:20 PM EDT reply actions  

I wonder if Frankie
will interview Armstrong-- apparently he's also tranquil

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Current Standings, per CN Ticker:
Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel)          09.15 (51.24 km/h)
2 Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)         09.16
3 David Zabriskie (Team CSC)                  09.22
4 Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne)           09.23
5 Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi)         09.23
6 Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel)        09.25
7 Andrey Kashechkin (Astana)                  09.25
8 William Bonnet (Crédit Agricole)            09.26
9 Paolo Savoldelli (Astana)                   09.28
10 Sébastien Rosseler (Quickstep-Innergetic)  09.29
   Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis)                   09.29
   Tomas Vaitkus (Discovery Channel)          09.32
   Antonio Colom (Astana)                     09.33
   Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)      09.33
   Sergio Paulinho (Discovery Channel)        09.34
   Ronni Scholz (Gerolsteiner)                09.35
   Philippe Gilbert (Française Des Jeux)      09.36
   Jens Voigt (Team CSC)                      09.38
   Thomas Lövkvist (Française Des Jeux)       09.38
   Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)      09.38
   Maxim Iglinsky (Astana)                    09.38
   Bert Grabsch (T-Mobile)                    09.43
   Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel-Euskadi)          09.44
   Frederik Willems (Liquigas)                09.45
   Daniel Navarro (Astana)                    09.48
   Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile)                  09.45
   Robbie McEwen Predictor-Lotto)             09.58
   Pieter Weening (Rabobank)                  10.00
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 12:21 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh yeah!
~:> about to go! If these people know anything about TV production, they'll have a motorbike on him all the way.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:21 PM EDT reply actions  

On his headphones
The Kazakhstan national anthem.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Schleck, Kirchen, Kloden
all about to go.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply actions  

~:> starting
Time to watch the wonderful show that is a time trial by ~:>.

2 or 3 crashes?

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply actions  

Schleckie off
No way he wins today. The difference btw him, other GC guys and the stage guys is there's no way guys like him should be taking risks in the corners today.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Dai Benna!
Looking at top 5 so far!!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Speed bumps
with those TT bikes and bars. Scary stuff.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Goddam French TV
Stop showing Calzati!! Where's Bennati?? Where's the Chicken>??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:28 PM EDT reply actions  

Sheit
Benna 17th. He went out too early, lost some time in the end.

Klodi goes!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:29 PM EDT reply actions  

Hincapie coming in 7 minutes
Sastre and Dekker shortly after. Cavendish too, FWIW
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:31 PM EDT reply actions  

George motivated!
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 12:31 PM EDT reply actions  

we'll see way over
300 comments today on this thread-- is that a record...?

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Will be any second now
We're going to have to do multiple threads for bigger stages.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

yes,
it's a HUGE page refresh.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

3 possible high finishers coming up
Big George, Stef Clement (Dutch TT champ), and Dekker

And Kloden is off, as is Triki Beltran

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh
Hoste's also right after Dekker.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bradley Wiggins needs a haircut
If I had to choose the karpets or wiggins haircut, I'd go with the mullet any day of the week.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Reason for the lackluster time for Jens
Rode around looking for the queen but didn't see her. You can always count on him for some entertaining comments.

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 12:36 PM EDT reply actions  

She's at the
All England Tennis Club
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 7, 2007 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

she was spotted at SDV's bus earlier
nagging David Millar for an autograph during his warm-up. inconsiderate aristocrats. hmmph.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Klodi is on fire
He might be in yellow today.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:36 PM EDT reply actions  

Heh heh
But let's not kid ourselves. Cancellara is a heavy fave.

Kloden... 9.03!!  12 seconds over #2!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wow
Kloden hammered it...

Sucks for Gusev, though :(

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:38 PM EDT reply actions  

Damn! Kloden
must have taken an extra blow of salbuterol !

by hughw on Jul 7, 2007 12:39 PM EDT reply actions  

Dayum
he may have reputation for being mentally fragile and unreliable, but when he's good, he's GOOD.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 7, 2007 12:39 PM EDT reply actions  

If this were the NFL
the media would be screaming about a quarterback controversy already.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hincapie now
Been a long year for him.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh no
Dessel, Chavanel on course. Forget about seeing any video of Hincapie again.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Kloden might be untouchable
that's a fast time even for Cance and company.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:44 PM EDT reply actions  

hincapie 2nd
at the intermediate check!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:44 PM EDT reply actions  

TT perfection
the cornering of the top guys is a thing of beauty.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:45 PM EDT reply actions  

Hincapie pouring it on!
Gonna give Klodi a run for it.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Hincapie 2nd
at the finish! Nice ride.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:46 PM EDT reply actions  

George in 2nd
Of course...

10 seconds slower than Kloden.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:46 PM EDT reply actions  

The Brits are coming
Cavendish, Millar, and Wiggins are gonna start any day now.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:47 PM EDT reply actions  

Here come all the big names:
David Millar (GBr) Saunier Duval - Prodir                           17:49
Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana                                   17:50
Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram                                        17:51
Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step - Innergetic                            17:52
Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Française Des Jeux                          17:53
Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Liquigas                                      17:54
Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone             17:55
Nicolas Vogondy (Fra) Agritubel                                     17:56
Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra) Bouygues Telecom                             17:57
Levi Leipheimer (USA) Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team            17:58
Thor Hushovd (Nor) Credit Agricole                                  17:59
Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner                                18:00
Alessandro Ballan (Ita) Lampre-Fondital                             18:01
Haimar Zubeldia (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi                           18:02
Christophe Moreau (Fra) Ag2r Prevoyance                             18:03
Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank                                        18:04
Cadel Evans (Aus) Predictor-Lotto                                   18:05
Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC                                    18:06
Michael Rogers (Aus) T-Mobile Team                                  18:07
Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:48 PM EDT reply actions  

It's up to Cance.
Klodi is on a whole nother plane.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:49 PM EDT reply actions  

Millar Time
Here we go, can anyone dethrone Klodi? I don't think so.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:49 PM EDT reply actions  

Up go the cheers
for the Scot.

Vino chasing him now!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:50 PM EDT reply actions  

looking fast
out of the gate-- he's ready...!

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Man,
cornering on those paint stripes. Lotta money riding on the friction factor.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Just not enough cobbles for Stuey
today. Damn smooth roads!
"The ox is slow but the earth is patient."

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 12:52 PM EDT reply actions  

Arenberg Forest TT?
That would be Stuey's to win, wouldn't it?

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Commercials..
so Petra Nemcova is the model who got caught in the Tsunami... didn't her beau die? Good god...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:53 PM EDT reply actions  

yes, spent something like 10 hours
hanging on to a tree with a shattered hip until she was rescued. the body of her fiancee, or what was left of it, wasn't found for a month or so.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah
But do we really want to know how he does?

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

He did
And they ignored him.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Millar should
hit the intermediate time right after we get back from ads. 44 teams are counting on you Millar!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:54 PM EDT reply actions  

+27
for Sastre, I believe

by Jen See on Jul 7, 2007 12:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Safe time
too bad one of his competitors kicked it out today.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Smart riding
No risks, save it for when it matters

But yeah, Klodie was unreal

by Jen See on Jul 7, 2007 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wiggins now
Where's Millar's time?

Millar 11 seconds down at the intermediate, says Paul.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:56 PM EDT reply actions  

Wiggins
apparently going so fast he's causing the picture to break up. Exceeding the speed of light?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:57 PM EDT reply actions  

Levi ready
nice helmet.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Klodi/Vino
Scary stuff to have two leaders up there--memories of the Vuelta. No fun to cover--although Klodi doesn't exactly attack.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Millar arriving
Ninth. Ah well, surely Tim Henman will give the Brits something to cheer this summer.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 12:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh god
Vino comes in ... no wait, fifth. Thought for a moment he was going to win.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Vino
looking strong. Light blue podium in the offing?
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Phew
Vino came in under Big George and Gusev. I need good results to get the win in this prologue for my VDS team.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Wiggins at 5:21
Same as Vino, Gusev, and Shaggy Karpets

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions  

Wiggins...
what's his TIME?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:01 PM EDT reply actions  

Current Standings, per CN Ticker:
1 Andreas Klöden (Astana)                     09.03 (52.39 km/h)
2 George Hincapie (Discovery Channel)         09.13
3 Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel)          09.15
4 Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)         09.16
5 Alexander Vinokourov (Astana)               09.20
6 Thomas Dekker (Rabobank)                    09.21
7 Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas)                 09.22
8 David Zabriskie (Team CSC)                  09.22
9 Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne)           09.23
10 David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir)        09.23
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Yes!
the bet pays off. Where's Thor?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Moreau on the road
I'm rooting for him. allez allez!
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Wiggins in 3rd!
9:13! Just behind Big George

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Wiggins
Flying over the last kilo, 10 seconds off the pace.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Wiggy!!
Excellent effort. If Kloden hadn't been using a motor, there might have been a home win.

Evans off now.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Cance spoolinng up
the diesel. Up to warp speed.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Don't forget Thor
s/b getting his split now.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Rogers off!
And he's grabbing his knee...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Mick Rogers off now, too
Pereiro's the only one left. So only 3 or 4 real contenders left. Cancellara, Rogers, Thor, maybe Moreau.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Thor failing...
23rd now. Didn't have the form of last year.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Levi 27 secs down
As expected, not a problem.

Pereiro rolls out. We'll be done in about 10 minutes.

Thor in 23rd

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Moreau-cam
getting warmed up today.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Why Sad?
He won the prologue last year. Thor is a specialist at this sort of thing, Levi is a climber.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Jul 7, 2007 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

True,
With all the Levi GC contender, "he won Tour of California/Georgia TTs" hype, I expected better from him than to be equaled by a sprinter. I was just being too knee-jerkyish I guess.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tony Montana
looking zippy. Where's the swiss flag? Gotta make room for all those championships.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Thank you, VS: no commercials.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Moreau veers
across the road, last km. Probably swerving around to let Moreau-Cam lead him home.

Cancellara has the best intermediate time!!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Crush it Tony!!
Sure, I have Kloden on my VDS team, but this is very cool.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:13 PM EDT reply actions  

over 34mph
so far. Work those corners.

Don't fucking show Menchov! Stay with Tony!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions  

He is just beautiful to watch.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Cance gonna kill this
He goes under the flamme rouge at under 8 minutes

Fabien is gonna take the win!

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Motos
can't get away from Tony!! He's too quick for them!

This is a sick, sick ride!!

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Cancellara!!!!
8.50!!
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Tony wins!
8:50

Well, Rogers isn't gonna beat him

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Pereiro
 in a totally different gear.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:16 PM EDT reply actions  

But...
not in a good way?

;-)

by Jen See on Jul 7, 2007 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

But...
Not in a good way?

:-)

(do over)

by Jen See on Jul 7, 2007 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wow, what a show.
The world champion reallly rode with pride today. He absolutely blasted it out today. What an amazing sport this is...
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:17 PM EDT reply actions  

whoohoo
Way to go Cance. That is incredible. I've never seen anything like that.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Those legs
on Tony are fucking tree trunks. What a sight.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Cadel looked strong
but not as strong as the Vino or Klodi.

Wow, this is going to be a huge battle.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Fabulous Fabian. Absolutely historic.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:20 PM EDT reply actions  

My VDS team is going strong
1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 28th, 69th (well, the first 7 were good)

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 1:21 PM EDT reply actions  

Prologue Challenge
8.50 translates into a 125% time of 11.02, by my calculation. Can you beat that??
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 1:23 PM EDT reply actions  

I was just under 12 yesterday
I think I can do it in 11.

Cance is truly amazing. 33 mph average! gak. I can't imagine that.

-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yahoo has a picture
of Bjarne with Jens before the prologue start.  Is this what he calls not being there?

by NE Observer on Jul 7, 2007 1:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Provisional results, from CN:
1 Fabian Cancellara (Team CSC)                08.50 (53.7 km/h)
2 Andreas Klöden (Astana)                     09.03
3 George Hincapie (Discovery Channel)         09.13
4 Bradley Wiggins (Cofidis)                   09.13
5 Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel)          09.15
6 Vladimir Karpets (Caisse d'Epargne)         09.16
7 Alexander Vinokourov (Astana)               09.20
8 Thomas Dekker (Rabobank)                    09.21
9 Manuel Quinziato (Liquigas)                 09.22
10 David Zabriskie (Team CSC)                 09.22
   Iván Gutiérrez (Caisse d'Epargne)          09.23
   David Millar (Saunier Duval-Prodir)        09.23
   Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel-Euskadi)        09.23
   Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel)       09.25
   Andrey Kashechkin (Astana)                 09.25
   William Bonnet (Crédit Agricole)           09.26
   Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis)                 09.26
   Oscar Freire (Rabobank)                    09.27
   Linus Gerdemann (T-Mobile)                 09.28
   Paolo Savoldelli (Astana)                  09.28
   Sébastien Rosseler (Quickstep-Innergetic)  09.29
   Rik Verbrugghe (Cofidis)                   09.29
   Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel)        09.30
   Denis Menchov (Rabobank)                   09.30
   Thor Hushovd (Crédit Agricole)             09.31
   Tomas Vaitkus (Discovery Channel)          09.32
   Filippo Pozzato (Liquigas)                 09.33
   Antonio Colom (Astana)                     09.33
   Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne)      09.33
   Daniele Bennati (Lampre-Fondital)          09.33
   Bernhard Kohl (Gerolsteiner)               09.34
   Sergio Paulinho (Discovery Channel)        09.34
   Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner)           09.35
   Ronni Scholz (Gerolsteiner)                09.35
   Philippe Gilbert (Française Des Jeux)      09.36
   Tom Boonen (Quickstep-Innergetic)          09.38
   Jens Voigt (Team CSC)                      09.38
   Thomas Lövkvist (Française Des Jeux)       09.38
   Yaroslav Popovych (Discovery Channel)      09.38
   Maxim Iglinsky (Astana)                    09.38
   Christophe Moreau (Ag2r Prévoyance)        09.39
   Bert Grabsch (T-Mobile)                    09.43
   Gorka Verdugo (Euskaltel-Euskadi)          09.44
   Frederik Willems (Liquigas)                09.45
   Fränk Schleck (Team CSC)                   09.47
   Daniel Navarro (Astana)                    09.48
   Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile)                  09.45
   Robbie McEwen Predictor-Lotto)             09.58
   Pieter Weening (Rabobank)                  10.00
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Insert Vaugrenard into 10th.
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Gusev into the White Jersey!!
Well, I'm old school. So my motivation isn't just to win, but to be good. -Jens Voigt, Philosopher

by Ruthann on Jul 7, 2007 1:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Whoops!
I;ll fix the sidebar.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris Fontecchio on Jul 7, 2007 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

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