Tour De France 2013

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

The scenery and shots of castles etc are all part of the tour. I'm guessing that you've never watched a tour go up Ventoux? That is a bizarre landscape and one of my favourite hill top finishes.

I have watched one live but because it was on not because it interested me if that makes sense. I didnt take it in or realise its significance. Since getting bitten by the cycling bug i have watched loads on you tube and now appreciate it for what it is. Im the sort of person who when attracted to something is voracious in search of knowledge of what things mean and in what context they are important.

So Mt Ventoux this year along with Alpe D'Heuz is something i am really quite giddy about to be honest and if that sounds a little sad, to me its like getting a new toy at xmas :)

Not sad at all, big days on the tour are special, those that dont get it, i feel sorry for them. I was one of those - until i was on holiday in France during the tour (by accident) and i was educated by a frenchman, over many a beer over the week (much to my girlfriends annoyance) and i've been hooked ever since. Miguel Indurain was my first tour 'hero'. The rise of the Brits in recent years has made it all the better though...

 

[Shands]

I have a theory that those who like Cycling (over here at least) also tend be lovers of test cricket. The two sports have a lot of similarities for the viewer.

and Rascal anyone who doesn't get giddy at the thought of Ventoux and the like should probably give up on The Tour right now.

 

[Rascal]

Not sad at all, big days on the tour are special, those that dont get it, i feel sorry for them. I was one of those - until i was on holiday in France during the tour (by accident) and i was educated by a frenchman, over many a beer over the week (much to my girlfriends annoyance) and i've been hooked ever since. Miguel Indurain was my first tour 'hero'. The rise of the Brits in recent years has made it all the better though...

Its the rise of the Brits that has me interested. I watched the whole Tour last year because even though i didnt know anything about cycling i knew what a big deal it would be to have a British winner. I had watched bits before and because im a sports fan had read bits on the sports pages. Since Brad won i dont think i have missed a race on the telly, i watch them all and it fascinates me as i never realised the tactics etc etc. And speaking to you lads on here in our pro rod cycling thread has helped me too in understanding the nuances of the sport.

Its now ideal way to spend an afternoon, cycling on the TV or lappy and other sport likewise. Cant wait for the Ashes/TdF mix, i will be the proverbial pig in shit ;)

 

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

I have a theory that those who like Cycling (over here at least) also tend be lovers of test cricket. The two sports have a lot of similarities for the viewer.

and Rascal anyone who doesn't get giddy at the thought of Ventoux and the like should probably give up on The Tour right now.

To back up your theory, cricket was my first love!

 

[Rascal]

I have a theory that those who like Cycling (over here at least) also tend be lovers of test cricket. The two sports have a lot of similarities for the viewer.

and Rascal anyone who doesn't get giddy at the thought of Ventoux and the like should probably give up on The Tour right now.

You posted just before me lol

Yes i love test cricket and it does ring true. Its about the long term as much as the here and now and i appreciate that so much. Good analogy.

Im giddy about Ventoux because it will be the first time i will understand it and im planning a load of snacks and a good load of beers to help me appreciate it even more ;)

 

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

Not sad at all, big days on the tour are special, those that dont get it, i feel sorry for them. I was one of those - until i was on holiday in France during the tour (by accident) and i was educated by a frenchman, over many a beer over the week (much to my girlfriends annoyance) and i've been hooked ever since. Miguel Indurain was my first tour 'hero'. The rise of the Brits in recent years has made it all the better though...

Its the rise of the Brits that has me interested. I watched the whole Tour last year because even though i didnt know anything about cycling i knew what a big deal it would be to have a British winner. I had watched bits before and because im a sports fan had read bits on the sports pages. Since Brad won i dont think i have missed a race on the telly, i watch them all and it fascinates me as i never realised the tactics etc etc. And speaking to you lads on here in our pro rod cycling thread has helped me too in understanding the nuances of the sport.

Its now ideal way to spend an afternoon, cycling on the TV or lappy and other sport likewise. Cant wait for the Ashes/TdF mix, i will be the proverbial pig in shit ;)

Ashes and the tour at the same time, is very stressful for me, i dont want to miss either, and if i am in work, its a nightmare!!!!

The first test is booked off, i will be stocking up on everything needed and not leaving the house for 5 days. When the cricket finishes i will be watching the tour i've recorded on my sky+ ;-)<br /><br />-- Tue Jul 02, 2013 9:02 pm --<br /><br />

I have a theory that those who like Cycling (over here at least) also tend be lovers of test cricket. The two sports have a lot of similarities for the viewer.

and Rascal anyone who doesn't get giddy at the thought of Ventoux and the like should probably give up on The Tour right now.

You posted just before me lol

Yes i love test cricket and it does ring true. Its about the long term as much as the here and now and i appreciate that so much. Good analogy.

Im giddy about Ventoux because it will be the first time i will understand it and im planning a load of snacks and a good load of beers to help me appreciate it even more ;)

Totally agree about how whats happening now, effects later, and its not obvious to the untrained eye. Both sports are like a physical game of chess.

Now come on Rasc, its your mussette and your bidon ;-)

 

[Rascal]

. Both sports are like a physical game of chess.

Now come on Rasc, its your mussette and your bidon ;-)

I also love Chess :)

The terminology sometimes gets me but im learning. I take it Chapeau is sort of a French version of Bravo

I know grouppo compacto :))

 

[Shands]

I have a theory that those who like Cycling (over here at least) also tend be lovers of test cricket. The two sports have a lot of similarities for the viewer.

and Rascal anyone who doesn't get giddy at the thought of Ventoux and the like should probably give up on The Tour right now.

You posted just before me lol

Yes i love test cricket and it does ring true. Its about the long term as much as the here and now and i appreciate that so much. Good analogy.

Im giddy about Ventoux because it will be the first time i will understand it and im planning a load of snacks and a good load of beers to help me appreciate it even more ;)

Correct. Not only that but they're both team sports where it's individuals contesting in the spotlight, be that batter v bowler, or team leader v team leader. Throw in the long spells where things seem to meander aimlessly; the sudden bursts of action; the commentary that often lurches off at tangents, and the mix of knowledgeable obsessives or drunks who line up to watch - well they're virtually the same sport!!

 

[malg]

I have a theory that those who like Cycling (over here at least) also tend be lovers of test cricket. The two sports have a lot of similarities for the viewer.

and Rascal anyone who doesn't get giddy at the thought of Ventoux and the like should probably give up on The Tour right now.

Not for me. Love the Tour, but don't get cricket.

As for the Tour, I just can't wait for the mountains! That's when it all comes alive for me. Break aways are great on any stage, but on a mountain they are special.

 

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

. Both sports are like a physical game of chess.

Now come on Rasc, its your mussette and your bidon ;-)

I also love Chess :)

The terminology sometimes gets me but im learning. I take it Chapeau is sort of a French version of Bravo

I know grouppo compacto :))

Sort of bravo, chapeau, i doff my hat - its from a longer French saying, that i cant remember.

Mussette is the food bag they take, it has things other than energy gels which can get a bit boring, so they have a cheese roll or some cake, Carlton Kirby usually says whats in his mussette each day, usually followed by asking Kelly what he used to like. Bidon is the water bottles. So when you are watching, your mussette is your snacks/lunch and your Bidon is your beer/wine ;-)