2010 TdF

[Yorkshire Blue]

Anyone looking forward to this year's tour?

Loads of British riders in it this year, but British interest will centre around Wiggins in the GC and Cavendish in the sprint stages/green jersey battle. The likes of David Millar and Geraint Thomas could pick off a stage victory and both are on course for a top 5 finish in the prologue, although Tony Martin continues Germany's good day by leading and Cancellara has yet to go.

As for overall predictions, I reckon it's Contador's to lose, with Andy Schleck leading the chasing pack. Wiggins would have had his work cut out to make the podium anyway and he could ill afford his gamble to go early today to backfire when it rained. It would be good to see him finish above Radioshack though.

My outside bet for the podium, Roman Kreuizinger, is underway in the prologue.

Don't think Cav will get the green either, there aren't as many sprint finishes and Hushovd has been in way better form, Farrar as well. He should still pick up some some stage wins though.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

As expected, Cancellera wins on his engine-powered bike.

Tomorrow should be a stage for Cav and HTC.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Carnage!

At least 3 crashes in the final run-in, including Cav, leaving it open for Petacchi.

The second crash was huge and must have claimed close to a 100 riders.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Anyone looking forward to this year's tour?

Very much so! Me and a couple of mates are going to be there for stage eight (ends at Morzine-Avoriaz) and the start of stage nine (from Morzine again).

I'm liking Farrar for the green jersey. Cav's lead-out isn't as strong this year although I am sure he'll still pick up a few stages.

What happened to Wiggo on Saturday? How come he fared so poorly in the Prologue?

 

[John Cena]

Carnage!

At least 3 crashes in the final run-in, including Cav, leaving it open for Petacchi.

The second crash was huge and must have claimed close to a 100 riders.

Any YouTube footage? I managed to miss it yesterday :(

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

What happened to Wiggo on Saturday? How come he fared so poorly in the Prologue?

Gambled (& lost) on the weather. He had a very wet ride and so couldn't go full pelt around the corners in the 2nd half of the course. However, rumours are he's nowhere near the level of last year and will struggle.

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

Any YouTube footage? I managed to miss it yesterday :(

Think it will be on the itvPlayer online.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Any YouTube footage? I managed to miss it yesterday :(

Me too, but I've just been sent this link....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfrFtmmkiNs

 

[Uncle Leo]

Gambled (& lost) on the weather. He had a very wet ride and so couldn't go full pelt around the corners in the 2nd half of the course. However, rumours are he's nowhere near the level of last year and will struggle.

Hmm, that's a shame. Should be a very interesting stage today out on those cobbles, looking forward to it!

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

Hmm, that's a shame. Should be a very interesting stage today out on those cobbles, looking forward to it!

Alberto will not be a happy bunny this week. I just hope Astana can get him through without any incident, as guaranteed RadioShack (& maybe Sky) will be trying everything to cause trouble today.

The Roubaix "homage" stage is tomorrow though isn't it?

 

[Uncle Leo]

Alberto will not be a happy bunny this week. I just hope Astana can get him through without any incident, as guaranteed RadioShack (& maybe Sky) will be trying everything to cause trouble today.

The Roubaix "homage" stage is tomorrow though isn't it?

Sorry, you're right. It seems that today's one is more of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege route

Tuesday's stage profile

Monday's stage profile

 

[Firestorm]

I'm liking Farrar for the green jersey. Cav's lead-out isn't as strong this year although I am sure he'll still pick up a few stages.

Even weaker with the strongest leadout rider (name escapes me) is now out injured (broken Collarbone IIRC),

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

Even weaker with the strongest leadout rider (name escapes me) is now out injured (broken Collarbone IIRC),

Former Aussie TT Champion, Adam Hanson...

 

[Uncle Leo]

Bonker scenes yesterday and not much to the liking of Thor Hushovd.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/hushovd-furious-as-points-neutralised-in-spa

I must say I have to agree with him

And Robbie Hunter took this view about the stage being held on those slippy Belgian roads:

"I say it again, no Grand Tour has any business in these northern countries and **** anybody who says different. See how much you guys like hitting the deck at 60kph."

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I expect Thor's a bit happier today.

I'm not. I missed all the action. Anyone recommend any good sites to catch the highlights?

Is Cadel Evans now a genuine contender? Wiggins made up some important time as well.

Did Menchov really manage to stay up right?

 

[Uncle Leo]

Did Menchov really manage to stay up right?

I think you've hit on the biggest surprise of the day there. That fella falls over getting his bike out of the garage.

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

Mark Gazzandish anybody?
WTF was that all about?
Although I'd maybe shed a tear if I was confronted by Jill Douglas' cleavage...;)

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Mark Gazzandish anybody?
WTF was that all about?
Although I'd maybe shed a tear if I was confronted by Jill Douglas' cleavage...;)

:useless:


Well done Cav. Got to love the passion he races with, well maybe not yesterday when he apparently sat up and lost out on valuable points.

Fair play to Ale-Jet for two wins so far, but it's Cav they all fear.

 

[Interpol Shrimper]

well maybe not yesterday when he apparently say up and lost out on valuable points.

He did sit up.
Looked like he was blaming his bike (Shimano D12's jammed is what I thought) but Renshaw said they misjudged the 1% gradient of the last kilometre and after the Arenberg stage just couldn't last until the line.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

He did sit up.
Looked like he was blaming his bike (Shimano D12's jammed is what I thought) but Renshaw said they misjudged the 1% gradient of the last kilometre and after the Arenberg stage just couldn't last until the line.

Sounds like he needs Fab's bike with his electronic gears (and motor).