Tour De France 2013

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

No excuses for Cav yesterday, not seen that in a grand tour before, Cav given a perfect road position and was out sprinted, when 100% he usually rides away from them. However, i read that Mark Renshaw is going to OPQS next year, Cav will have the best lead out man in the business and that must scare all his rivals.

Hopefully he can win today, he's not 100% fit, but still think he can do it, he has the mental strength to still compete.

Gutted for Eddie Boss, was a bad crash, surprised more werent seriously hurt.

 

[Shands]

I've put this in a spoiler as I know it will be unpalatable to some and I've no desire to cause offence, derail the thread, or inhibit discussion of the race, but I did think it may be of interest as a point of reference given it's the main subject of discussion in the French/Italian press at the moment.

Spoiler

People in growing numbers are beginning to ask questions about Froome and his performance.

http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/biking/Analysing-Froomes-Performance.html

Paul Kimmahe from 27.30 in http://www.newstalk.ie/player/listen_back/10/2493/10th_July_2013_-_Off_The_Ball_Part_1

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-dismisses-vayers-power-estimates

 

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

I've put this in a spoiler as I know it will be unpalatable to some and I've no desire to cause offence, derail the thread, or inhibit discussion of the race, but I did think it may be of interest as a point of reference given it's the main subject of discussion in the French/Italian press at the moment.

Spoiler

People in growing numbers are beginning to ask questions about Froome and his performance.

http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/biking/Analysing-Froomes-Performance.html

Paul Kimmahe from 27.30 in http://www.newstalk.ie/player/listen_back/10/2493/10th_July_2013_-_Off_The_Ball_Part_1

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-dismisses-vayers-power-estimates

Was bound to happen, its a sad situation that whenever someone does something extra ordinary in sport questions are asked. There are cheats in all walks of life, and certainly in sport. Due to the contract that Sky have made their riders sign, not only will he be banned, he will have to pay back all the money he has earnt and he will be kicked out of the team should he be found to be doping. They have a policy of not employing anyone caught doping, its why Sean Yates left.

In all these calculations is any consideration given to the improvement in bike technology and the wearing of skin suits?

 

[Shands]

Not going to spoil it for those not viewing, but this is a bit naughty from Belkin at the moment I feel.

 

[Rascal]

Not going to spoil it for those not viewing, but this is a bit naughty from Belkin at the moment I feel.

I have just got in and switched on. Whats happened?

 

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

Not going to spoil it for those not viewing, but this is a bit naughty from Belkin at the moment I feel.

Spoiler

I have both on, and i might have missed something watching the cricket, but this wasnt caused by a crash was it? If its just the wind its fair game IMO

Good news for Froome and has made a sprint stage more interesting!!

 

[Shands]

As you're both watching I'll just post away haha!

Initially it was just the wind that split the group yes, I've no issue with that at all. Valverde though who was in the front group then had a mechanical/puncture and had to get a bike change. Most of his team dropped back to help relay him on, but as soon as they did that Belkin moved to the front of the bunch and really pushed on the pace to distance him. Movistar tried to team time trial alone it in the wind for a while but eventually they were gassed and had to drop back into the next following group. Had Valverde crashed or caused the issue himself I'd have no problem with it, but I thought it was a bit poor all told really.

Good in one sense though, as if he loses time today it'll force him to attack in the mountains if he want to podium and increases the possibility of that Spanish Armada entertainment.

 

[Paul Lake's Left Knee]

As you're both watching I'll just post away haha!

Initially it was just the wind that split the group yes, I've no issue with that at all. Valverde though who was in the front group then had a mechanical/puncture and had to get a bike change. Most of his team dropped back to help relay him on, but as soon as they did that Belkin moved to the front of the bunch and really pushed on the pace to distance him. Movistar tried to team time trial alone it in the wind for a while but eventually they were gassed and had to drop back into the next following group. Had Valverde crashed or caused the issue himself I'd have no problem with it, but I thought it was a bit poor all told really.

Good in one sense though, as if he loses time today it'll force him to attack in the mountains if he want to podium and increases the possibility of that Spanish Armada entertainment.

I didnt see Varverde get a mechanical, i thought it was the OPQS introduction in pace, Belkin have Mollema in 3rd so thats why they are trying to distance Valverde.

I meant it was good as this is usually a dull phase of the race where a break is about 1-2mins ahead and they are left out there while the sprint teams start to sort themselves out. Now there is interest to see if they can close it, starting to think they wont be able to.

 

[Rascal]

As you're both watching I'll just post away haha!

Initially it was just the wind that split the group yes, I've no issue with that at all. Valverde though who was in the front group then had a mechanical/puncture and had to get a bike change. Most of his team dropped back to help relay him on, but as soon as they did that Belkin moved to the front of the bunch and really pushed on the pace to distance him. Movistar tried to team time trial alone it in the wind for a while but eventually they were gassed and had to drop back into the next following group. Had Valverde crashed or caused the issue himself I'd have no problem with it, but I thought it was a bit poor all told really.

Good in one sense though, as if he loses time today it'll force him to attack in the mountains if he want to podium and increases the possibility of that Spanish Armada entertainment.

Ah right. So Belkin thinking of Mollema and Tens Dam on the podium pushed on. Yes it is a bit naughty if Valverde did nothing wrong.

It doesnt look like the second group are making any inroads either does it.

 

[smudgedj]

As you're both watching I'll just post away haha!

Initially it was just the wind that split the group yes, I've no issue with that at all. Valverde though who was in the front group then had a mechanical/puncture and had to get a bike change. Most of his team dropped back to help relay him on, but as soon as they did that Belkin moved to the front of the bunch and really pushed on the pace to distance him. Movistar tried to team time trial alone it in the wind for a while but eventually they were gassed and had to drop back into the next following group. Had Valverde crashed or caused the issue himself I'd have no problem with it, but I thought it was a bit poor all told really.

Good in one sense though, as if he loses time today it'll force him to attack in the mountains if he want to podium and increases the possibility of that Spanish Armada entertainment.

I thought it was only the yellow jersey you didn't attack due to mechanical problems. Anyone else fair game?