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Le Tour '07: London Prologue Live!!

Tourbecco_tiny by Chris... on in News Comment 434 comments

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 8:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Who won?
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 9:33 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Teel 22 on Jul 7, 2007 9:50 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:12 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 9:29 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 9:31 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 9:31 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 9:51 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

well,
he's already served a year.

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 9:50 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 9:58 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ES showing Levis TT bike
with the OLK setup. Cool bike

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 9:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:04 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:03 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 10:10 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:11 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:11 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 10:21 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:23 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 10:25 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:36 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 10:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:39 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Aack!
O'Grady crashes! NOOOOOOO

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 10:48 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:03 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by 12string on Jul 7, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:00 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Z in the national champ jersey
winding it up, already flying.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Martinez 6th? Wow.
Good news for Disco.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah
All of Disco's riders are up there near the top right now.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:03 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:02 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Dave Zee!!
Best @ 1st time check!

Here comes Karpets, for some compettition.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:08 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:11 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Too late
to add Karpets to my VDS team?

by ssmith on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ooh Vladmir,
be still my achy breaky heart.

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

#@!@#$ Karpets smashes
Z's time. 9:16 = 31.7 mph
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha
The first of probably many such jokes.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:14 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:24 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:29 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Scott. on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by ELVISGOAT on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:30 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Infomercial
Specialized. Born from jets.

Jets are reproductively active these days.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 1:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 11:41 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:46 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:46 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:47 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

First Karpets then Gusev, a trend?
Dekker next mullet to take the lead?

by Jens on Jul 7, 2007 11:47 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:51 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:52 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:54 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:57 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or shifted
directions

morning wind to afternoon wind

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 11:59 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or shifted because
of the rise in late afternoon temperatures

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 11:56 AM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 11:59 AM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:02 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 12:03 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:10 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alphabetical after Levi
That's how I think he has the #2 jersey.

by BDBrian on Jul 7, 2007 12:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Voigt
Galloping off.

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

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 12:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:07 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:11 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Looks like
a prototypical climber.
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:15 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by mobilegoat on Jul 7, 2007 12:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by NE Observer on Jul 7, 2007 12:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Millar? I don't think he can get it.
Cance will be the big dog, I think.
-K-

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 12:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by orangekick on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 12:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

~:> 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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Quinziato into 3rd
Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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... on Jul 7, 2007 12:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by Chris... on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by KevinK on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Goddam French TV
Stop showing Calzati!! Where's Bennati?? Where's the Chicken>??