FabSwingers.com forum: the "2014 tour de france" thread

By *abio OP Man
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

thought I would start one with regards to the actual event and the racing itself since the last one is almost full, and got turned into a rant (by one person)

so.... this normally turns into a great thread each year...

so I'll start with my usual big question.... not who will win

who are you watching... ITV or EUROSPORT....

I am very much a Eurosport guy... but since I don't have the HD package on sky and ITV is in free HD... I may watch a tiny bit more ITV... although there is only so much Sherwin and Liggett I can put up with....

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By *bbandflowCouple
over a year ago

South Devon

"thought I would start one with regards to the actual event and the racing itself since the last one is almost full, and got turned into a rant (by one person)

so.... this normally turns into a great thread each year...

so I'll start with my usual big question.... not who will win

who are you watching... ITV or EUROSPORT....

Definitely Eurosport...always top coverage

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I always watch it on Eurosport & can't see it changing this year.

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

I don't watch it but admire the participants.

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By *awty MaxWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

Eurosport/French TV (satellite)

Bon Tour de France everyone

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Sadly I don't have eurosport this year, so will have to settle for ITV. Something is better than nothing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Eurosport for me all the way, I love it when Steven Roche tries to pronunce some of the riders and place names and gets tongue tied it makes me chuckle,

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By *an_LexaCouple
over a year ago

Sunderland

Eurosport.

Why?

Carlton Kirby. The Alan Partridge of cycling.

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

It has to be Eurosport as Carlton and Shaun make a great duo for ramblings and predictions

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By * Busty HotwifeCouple
over a year ago

Bradford

The ITV coverage is SHIT!! Big advert breaks ALL the time. They have completely ruined the coverage. A one off event and they've truly fucked it up.

Why don't they do what they do with the IPL and have one brief advert??

Aaaarrrrrgggggghh.

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

Omg

what a finish, Kittell the man to watch

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By *emon tart Double creamCouple
over a year ago

Leeds

We were in Otley and the atmosphere was amazing....the riders must have been impressed with the crowds and the noise they made. What a start..

Feel sorry for Cav....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Eurosport.

Why?

Carlton Kirby. The Alan Partridge of cycling."

Kirby is useless. It's a shame that Eurosport refuse to have Dave Harmon back after he took time off with mental health issues

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By *abio OP Man
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Eurosport.

Why?

Carlton Kirby. The Alan Partridge of cycling.

Kirby is useless. It's a shame that Eurosport refuse to have Dave Harmon back after he took time off with mental health issues"

I thought that was Harmon back yesterday, who was commentating with sean and stephen yesterday....

anyway... cav out!!!

anyone out on the road for stage 2.....

they reckon between 1-1.5 million people were out on the road yesterday... should be as many out today

so who you got today... this is like an english "Classics" stage today.... Valverde or Cancellara for me... although look for fireworks today if Rodriguez or Nabali do give it a go....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Eurosport.

Why?

Carlton Kirby. The Alan Partridge of cycling.

Kirby is useless. It's a shame that Eurosport refuse to have Dave Harmon back after he took time off with mental health issues

I thought that was Harmon back yesterday, who was commentating with sean and stephen yesterday....

anyway... cav out!!!

anyone out on the road for stage 2.....

they reckon between 1-1.5 million people were out on the road yesterday... should be as many out today

so who you got today... this is like an english "Classics" stage today.... Valverde or Cancellara for me... although look for fireworks today if Rodriguez or Nabali do give it a go...."

Oh I might have to try Eurosport if DH is back. They have got a lot of flack for Kirby. That said I assume Stephen is Stephen Roche and I find him annoying to. Kelly is a star though.

It was nice to see Cav hold his hands up and say it was his fault. He seemed more upset about taking Gerrans out than his own injuries.

And I think today could be crazy, it'll be interesting to see if anyone chases the break.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don't know much about the Tour de France but we watched some of yesterday's coverage and we have it on again today, actually enjoying the stages and the commentary

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

I am sitting watching it now, Cav cocked up yesterday but he has admitted fault so good for him, let's see what today brings

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

"Eurosport.

Why?

Carlton Kirby. The Alan Partridge of cycling.

Kirby is useless. It's a shame that Eurosport refuse to have Dave Harmon back after he took time off with mental health issues

I thought that was Harmon back yesterday, who was commentating with sean and stephen yesterday....

anyway... cav out!!!

anyone out on the road for stage 2.....

they reckon between 1-1.5 million people were out on the road yesterday... should be as many out today

so who you got today... this is like an english "Classics" stage today.... Valverde or Cancellara for me... although look for fireworks today if Rodriguez or Nabali do give it a go....

Oh I might have to try Eurosport if DH is back. They have got a lot of flack for Kirby. That said I assume Stephen is Stephen Roche and I find him annoying to. Kelly is a star though.

It was nice to see Cav hold his hands up and say it was his fault. He seemed more upset about taking Gerrans out than his own injuries.

And I think today could be crazy, it'll be interesting to see if anyone chases the break. "

Has Sean Kelly slowed down his speech, as I recall after a race he was talking that fast you couldn't understand him.

I like the knowledge of the ITV 4 team, only downside is they have boardman thier team. Good cyclist, just a bit of a knob.

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By *hyllyphyllyMan
over a year ago

Bradford

I used to live in Keighley. I wonder if it'll look less of a shithole :p

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I used to live in Keighley. I wonder if it'll look less of a shithole :p"

... because you left?

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By *abio OP Man
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

i just streamed out loud when TV tommy went on the attack!

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By *xpresMan
over a year ago

Elland

"The ITV coverage is SHIT!! Big advert breaks ALL the time. They have completely ruined the coverage. A one off event and they've truly fucked it up.

Why don't they do what they do with the IPL and have one brief advert??

Aaaarrrrrgggggghh. "

you will find like all sporting events are filmed n streamed by an umbrella company the adverts are on at the same time no matter what station you watch all bbc do is go to pundit instead

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By *xpresMan
over a year ago

Elland

"I used to live in Keighley. I wonder if it'll look less of a shithole :p"

funny enough when it went thru the town the adds came on to save the embarrassment of the rest of Yorkshire haha

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I used to live in Keighley. I wonder if it'll look less of a shithole :p"

lol I spent a night in Keighley a few years back.

The bed and breakfast I stayed in...oh my god.

I have no words for the horror.

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By *hyllyphyllyMan
over a year ago

Bradford

"The ITV coverage is SHIT!! Big advert breaks ALL the time. They have completely ruined the coverage. A one off event and they've truly fucked it up.

Why don't they do what they do with the IPL and have one brief advert??

Aaaarrrrrgggggghh. "

I know people that live in Greetland and West Vale. They stuck a sodding ad break after the "Cote de Greetland" and missed the whole area!!!!!

Hopefully I'll find a VOD of it

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

What a great race again today

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Fantastic racing. I love that war of attrition type of racing where the front group just keeps shrinking until it is whittled down to almost nothing.

I said about half way through the stage to crystal that I think Nibali will be in yellow in 3 weeks time. Both he and his team looked very strong. He and Contador will both cause Froome a lot of problems.

Right now I need to decide where to go and watch it tomorrow!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The ITV coverage is SHIT!! Big advert breaks ALL the time. They have completely ruined the coverage. A one off event and they've truly fucked it up.

Why don't they do what they do with the IPL and have one brief advert??

Aaaarrrrrgggggghh.

I know people that live in Greetland and West Vale. They stuck a sodding ad break after the "Cote de Greetland" and missed the whole area!!!!!

Hopefully I'll find a VOD of it

We were in Greetland Mrs liddy manged to get herself on telly lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Damn I picked sagan for today's stage. Great day's racing.

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By *hyllyphyllyMan
over a year ago

Bradford

There's now a group (not created by me :p ) called "ITV Got It Wrong With The Tour De France!!!"

Basically, bloody ads

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Itv coverage always been the same.

That's why I flick between them and eurosport.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well,what a fantastic weekend and I'm so proud of Yorkshire for not only winning the bid but for the incredible support - the crowds have been unbelievable!

Yesterday I got a high-five from a very sexy Gendarmarie on a motorbike as the cyclists were 'coasting' in the procession to Harewood House (offical start), the music was great and the floats throwing out goodies everywhere, the helicopters, fabulous weather, my friend took some fantastic pics (a great one of poor Mark - before the fall obviously) and a great video and today we went to Howarth to watch it again - wonderful atmosphere!!

Enormous respect for the cyclists (can't believe how lean they are)and incredibly proud to be part of such a fabulous occasion

Well done Yorkshire

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't mind the adds, it is to be expected when you watch ITV. For me Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, I have listened to Phil for several years now. I find him and Paul very informative.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I follow some riders on strava, including ten dam and lars boom, and both of them have said on strava they have never seen crowds like it anywhere ever,

Well done Yorkshire and well done the fans except the fan who had there iPhone taken off them lol

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By *etitesaraTV/TS
over a year ago

rochdale

Was at the top of Cragg Vale today, absolutely rammed. Must have been tens of thousands along that 6 mile climb.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well,what a fantastic weekend and I'm so proud of Yorkshire for not only winning the bid but for the incredible support - the crowds have been unbelievable!

Enormous respect for the cyclists (can't believe how lean they are)and incredibly proud to be part of such a fabulous occasion

Well done Yorkshire

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm ITV at the mo. Eurosport pissed me off by constantly cutting to the studio during the team presentations and missing half of them.

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

The first few days of the tour have gone down well, shame about Cavendish hope he gets well soon.

I read on the tours website that the frowds in Yorkshire had been bigger and better than ecpected, who knows the tour.might come back to.the UK sooner.

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By *abio OP Man
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"The first few days of the tour have gone down well, shame about Cavendish hope he gets well soon.

I read on the tours website that the frowds in Yorkshire had been bigger and better than ecpected, who knows the tour.might come back to.the UK sooner."

I hope so... I wish for an edinburgh start one day and stage one/two being an edinburgh to newcastle stage... some of the hills and scenery and that potential stage would be epic.....

anyway... cambridge to london today... the route goes past my families gaff by the olympic stadium so my sister so the school is going to finish a little early so the parents can go with the kids to watch it

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By *olarbear3Man
over a year ago

I watched it just before ainley top, what an amazing atmosphere and event! Shame cav crashed on Saturday!

But very proud to be a Yorkshireman this week the county as done a great job!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

loved the Yorkshire crowds

well done everyone up there.

Eurosport for me to btw

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

On our way to London. Excited!

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By *ich_shadiwMan
over a year ago

closeish

[Removed by poster at 07/07/14 12:05:26]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's going past the top of our road in a couple of hours. Unfortunately I have to work but my children are off to watch it. Much local excitement and lots of people setting up BBQ's in their front gardens.

The local pub opened at 9am for people to get a good _iew.

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By *abio OP Man
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

i have already said to my old school chums no trying to 'jack a bike on walthamstow high street or Leyton high road..... lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"i have already said to my old school chums no trying to 'jack a bike on walthamstow high street or Leyton high road..... lol "

My old stomping grounds. One of your mates might have one of my bikes.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Why isn't there any women riding in the Tour de France?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The atmosphere on Holme Moss yesterday was electric. What a day that was.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why isn't there any women riding in the Tour de France? "

Sadly because it is incredibly unequal sport. Women's racing is way behind men's

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why isn't there any women riding in the Tour de France?

Sadly because it is incredibly unequal sport. Women's racing is way behind men's "

So do the women have their own race?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

not a full tour de france. They have had one in the past, but womens road racing has struggled to attract sponsors in the past.

On the same day at the final stage of this years tour there is a one day race on the same circuit in Paris for the ladies. "La Course by Le Tour de France"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why isn't there any women riding in the Tour de France?

Sadly because it is incredibly unequal sport. Women's racing is way behind men's

So do the women have their own race? "

Surely, it's not beyond the capabilities of women to organise, run and support their own event?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why isn't there any women riding in the Tour de France?

Sadly because it is incredibly unequal sport. Women's racing is way behind men's

So do the women have their own race?

Surely, it's not beyond the capabilities of women to organise, run and support their own event?

Probably not, I was just asking if there was already an event in

Place

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There used to be a women's version of it , last one was in 2009. Think Emma Pooley won it who rides for team GB.

It couldn't be called Tour De France so was called Le Grande Boucle (I think - something like that anyway).

I know they've tried to get it back up & running / hopefully one day they will.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I missed all of it even though it was very close to my office towards the end and near home earlier. That's London.

It was great that there wasn't a hitch. I always worry a little on 7/7 and there is a big event.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Got to love tommy,

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

"Got to love tommy,"

The master of the gurn

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

La Grande Boucle feminin, or tour de France feminin was what it was called.

La Grande Boucle is also one of the nicknames of the men's race.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well they hit the cobbles today, wonder how froomes wrist is going to hold up after his crash yesterday

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well they hit the cobbles today, wonder how froomes wrist is going to hold up after his crash yesterday"

They've cut 2 sections of cobbles from the route already due to the weather conditions!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well they hit the cobbles today, wonder how froomes wrist is going to hold up after his crash yesterday

They've cut 2 sections of cobbles from the route already due to the weather conditions! "

Yeah they've been expecting quite a bit of rain, that will make the big names happy, they didn't want to ride them

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Chris Froome, hit the Tarmac 3 times and has retired the race.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Eurosport for me Greg lemond is a legend

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By *abio OP Man
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Chris Froome, hit the Tarmac 3 times and has retired the race. "

so the arguement now is should sky have taken 2 "no.1's" and almost split the team in two to look after them if they were in trouble until one person it became obvious became leader...they wouldn't have needed all 9 people...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Oohh its exciting stuff today. But shame to see froom abandon after such bad luck.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Chris Froome, hit the Tarmac 3 times and has retired the race.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As much as I like wiggins and while he was in incredible form, I think Brailsford made the right call in fully backing Froome

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

It is a shame about Froome but he did grab his wrist after the fall yesterday so I'm not surprised after a few tumbles he has retired and I think Richie Porte probably deserves a go as he is a good all rounder

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins, "

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well."

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm still sticking with my tip of mollema, I just can't stand contador

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well that is the most brutal day I have ever seen on a tour, think nibali has just won the tour, unless he blows on a mountain

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Bollox can't believe froome is out

Would like sagan to win but highly unlikely.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Porte is def a future grand your winner.

No wonder Lars Boom did well today http://youtu.be/_WbE0uhzxVI

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Porte is def a future grand your winner.

No wonder Lars Boom did well today http://youtu.be/_WbE0uhzxVI"

Don't know what that links to I'm on my phone so it doesn't work but he's big in to cycle cross through the winter

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins"

Don't get me wrong I think Porte is pure class but for 6 months he has struggled with illness and the inevitable lack of form that that causes. You don't and can't win the tour when you've been on the backfoot all season.

That said those conditions would have been Wiggins' worst nightmare today

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By *ossnsecretaryCouple
over a year ago

Epsom

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins

That said those conditions would have been Wiggins' worst nightmare today"

Wiggins trains in the Lancashire hills, so the rain and wet roads would have been familiar to him. Froome trains in South Africa in the warm sunshine.

Wiggins rode this year's Paris-Roubaix, Froome notably absent.

I reckon it was a mistake leaving Wiggo out.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins

That said those conditions would have been Wiggins' worst nightmare today

Wiggins trains in the Lancashire hills, so the rain and wet roads would have been familiar to him. Froome trains in South Africa in the warm sunshine.

Wiggins rode this year's Paris-Roubaix, Froome notably absent.

I reckon it was a mistake leaving Wiggo out."

He may train in Lancashire but he doesn't like rain, was it the giro last year where he lost time to nibali on a decent because it was wet

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins

That said those conditions would have been Wiggins' worst nightmare today"

Wiggins hasn't been in the best of form all year though, I think there right to leave wiggins out

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Porte is def a future grand your winner.

No wonder Lars Boom did well today http://youtu.be/_WbE0uhzxVI

Don't know what that links to I'm on my phone so it doesn't work but he's big in to cycle cross through the winter"

Former world CX champ, I've seen him at loads of CX World Cup races I've been at and he's awesome

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Didn't realise there were so many cyclists on fab... So who actually races and what aspect of the sport is your thing?

Still think Contador is the man to beat

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

Wiggins is a pussy in the rain, he would if been last of the last in today's stage, it was brutal out there

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins

That said those conditions would have been Wiggins' worst nightmare today

Wiggins hasn't been in the best of form all year though, I think there right to leave wiggins out"

Agreed.

Isn't it a non discussion. Didn't Wiggins just pull out of the Tour of Austria due to illness or injury?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"They do have an instant replacement in Richie porte who is a better climber than wiggins,

He's been going shit all year be surprised to see him do well.

Still better than wiggins at climbing, and only 1 time trial right at the end of the tour wouldn't of suited wiggins

That said those conditions would have been Wiggins' worst nightmare today

Wiggins hasn't been in the best of form all year though, I think there right to leave wiggins out

Agreed.

Isn't it a non discussion. Didn't Wiggins just pull out of the Tour of Austria due to illness or injury?"

He crashed out. He's also won the tour of california, destroyed the field in the national TT champs, top 10 at Roubaix and rumoured to have brokem the pursuit world record in training at Manchester.

Ive already said I think it was right to not select him purely because of the animosity between him and Froone but the suggestion he's not in form is laughable.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As for Porte barely finished a race or featured all year. Didn't start the giro for which he was supposed to be team leader and going for the overall due to a lack of form. Class act just not his year due to illness vin the spring

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

I can't believe he has crashed out of the tour, not a good year for team sky.

I did hear in an inter_iew Wiggo saying he was not in tour form, he has not done much mountain work. As he is prepping for the track, he didn't want to be an average domestique to the team. Wether or not he has been told to say that is another matter.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have read unconfirmed reports Froome's wrist injury yesterday was worse than SKY let on which may explain his poor handling today

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By *ossnsecretaryCouple
over a year ago

Epsom

He may train in Lancashire but he doesn't like rain, was it the giro last year where he lost time to nibali on a decent because it was wet"

Possibly, Nibbles is known to be a good descender both wet and dry. I do know Wiggins won the time trial in very wet conditions in last year's tour of Britain, and came 8th in a wet Paris-Roubaix this year.

He may not like the rain any more than you or I do, but he clearly does pretty well in the conditions.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

One thing's for certain, it's gonna be an interesting remainder of the tour now. I'm intrigued as to how the Sky teams dynamic will pan out.

With Nibali taking nearly 3 minutes out of

Contador too...................bring on the hills

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By *andybeachWoman
over a year ago

In the middle

"I have read unconfirmed reports Froome's wrist injury yesterday was worse than SKY let on which may explain his poor handling today"

I agree, he had both wrists strapped as was already carrying injuries and by the look if it hardly any skin on his thighs poor chap, bet he is sore as hell

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By *ossnsecretaryCouple
over a year ago

Epsom

"I have read unconfirmed reports Froome's wrist injury yesterday was worse than SKY let on which may explain his poor handling today"

That is probably a key factor in the crashes today then.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It has gutted me more than anyone will know. Not only is Froome never capable of running a classic race - which today's stage was. My hero Dave Brailsford left Wiggo out which was always a massive risk with this course for TDF and I cried when Cav crashed out on stage 1. Jeez. I will have to console myself with lots of lovely young studs now I'm back to Fab

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It has gutted me more than anyone will know. Not only is Froome never capable of running a classic race - which today's stage was. My hero Dave Brailsford left Wiggo out which was always a massive risk with this course for TDF and I cried when Cav crashed out on stage 1. Jeez. I will have to console myself with lots of lovely young studs now I'm back to Fab

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

"
shit, I'm not a young stud

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A steady flat stage today, what odds on anything but a kittel win today?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I have read unconfirmed reports Froome's wrist injury yesterday was worse than SKY let on which may explain his poor handling today"

I think all the teams have played down injuries of thier top riders.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

Cycling mad here too, tried to wink you but not allowed

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

Cycling mad here too, tried to wink you but not allowed

Well looking at your pics I will definitely wink you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

Cycling mad here too, tried to wink you but not allowed

Well looking at your pics I will definitely wink you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

Cycling mad here too, tried to wink you but not allowed

Well looking at your pics I will definitely wink you

Eh this is cycling thread keep your flirting to yourselves, unless you wink us too lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think it's nailed on for nibali now I'd love to see jurgen van den brook get on podium too hopefully contador just misses out on podium and mollema or talansky take 3rd spot.

Whatever happens I just love the Tdf, Mont ventoux , alp duez on my bucket list

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We should have a fab bike ride!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"We should have a fab bike ride!!

A fab cycle to Paris for the last stage next year lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd love to see Ltd win a stage, and team belkin do well, been as the won't exist next year

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was gutted they left Wiggo out too & then losing Cav was a double whammy! Nonetheless I still love the TDF & we can't complain as we've won the last two years.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hi everyone! Glad to be back. The cycling mad/ sex mad Littlebird

Cycling mad here too, tried to wink you but not allowed

Well looking at your pics I will definitely wink you

Eh this is cycling thread keep your flirting to yourselves, unless you wink us too lol

Already winked you Mrs

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just watched yesterday's stage, shut up bitching Talansky and don't look behind in a bunch kick

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Another really grim looking stage from a weather perspective.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What a machine tony martin is

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Comes to life this coming week as we get into the first of the mountain stages. Time to sort the men from the boys

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Comes to life this coming week as we get into the first of the mountain stages. Time to sort the men from the boys

Yeah big mountain stage tomorrow contador will attack I think

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What a machine tony martin is"

He's an incredibly strong rider

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What a machine tony martin is

He's an incredibly strong rider"

It's amazing how he pulls away, he's on. Explosive like contador up out the seat, he just seems to inch away with a slight increase in his pedalling

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Another favourite out today, no more Contador

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Another favourite out today, no more Contador "

Bugger I wish I hadn't read this now, I've not seen any of today yet, well nibali is going to win it by a week now then

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Another favourite out today, no more Contador

Bugger I wish I hadn't read this now, I've not seen any of today yet, well nibali is going to win it by a week now then"

Nibali is doing well.

got to praise team sky they are still fighting for it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That stage was brutal! There were one or two rather knackered looking boys at the finish line.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just heard that Contador had to finish that stage with a broken tibia

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A rest day today, so instead of watching coverage, I'll get out for a Tour de Stoke on Trent later. Not as picturesque as France sadly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yeah broken leg, he's having surgery today,

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just heard that Contador had to finish that stage with a broken tibia

"
m

Yep those cyclists are rock hard!

Decided that Movistar is my favourite team strip this year.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Anything could happen from here on in, don't be surprised if we lose more big names in the coming days.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just heard that Contador had to finish that stage with a broken tibia

Yep those cyclists are rock hard!

Decided that Movistar is my favourite team strip this year.

Going by this year's tour picking your favourite kit could be the way forward lol, I like the opq kit

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just heard that Contador had to finish that stage with a broken tibia

Didn't finish the stage but did 18km with it, they were passing guys on the climb too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I like Astana and also AG2R but don't want to be a FPKW

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sad to hear cancellara has pulled out

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I like Astana and also AG2R but don't want to be a FPKW

Mrs l hates ag2r kits she thinks it's disgusting, I like the top the shorts are a horrible brown

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Talanski out now, it's a brutal tour

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Talanski out now, it's a brutal tour"
spot on, it's taken a fair toll this time out.........

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Talanski out now, it's a brutal tourspot on, it's taken a fair toll this time out........."

I've probs not been watching as long as most people but I don't remember a tour with this many abandoning

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Same here, have only really been following in the last 5-6 years. Used to hate cycling till I got my Boardman carbon

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Same here, have only really been following in the last 5-6 years. Used to hate cycling till I got my Boardman carbon

You've been cycling longer than me then, I'm only on about 2 3 years after I stopped playing rugby, I started on a halfords special carrera, but upgraded to a giant defy about 9 months ago

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Personally I would take my hand built Harry Quinn 708 tubing frame over a carbon bike. One reason is that when you crash you can repair it, they look nice but are they a fad like most other things seen in proffesional cycling.

As for the best outfit this year, none of the team colours stand out, I used to like the Systeme U team colours.

What a stage today, the finish was brilliant. I liked the decent section, I did expect a crash or two on that bit. Some of the riders used all of the road on some corners, I know what it is like doing 50 mph downhill on wider roads than that. I take my hat of to the guys today.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 16/07/14 22:32:04]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Talanski out now, it's a brutal tourspot on, it's taken a fair toll this time out.........

I've probs not been watching as long as most people but I don't remember a tour with this many abandoning"

NUmners wise, it's pretty much par for the course. What is very unusual is the calibre of riding that has crashed out.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Personally I would take my hand built Harry Quinn 708 tubing frame over a carbon bike. One reason is that when you crash you can repair it, they look nice but are they a fad like most other things seen in proffesional cycling.

As for the best outfit this year, none of the team colours stand out, I used to like the Systeme U team colours.

There hardly a fad they've been around too long to be a fad now, and you can repair carbon too

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By *etitesaraTV/TS
over a year ago

rochdale

As for the best outfit this year, none of the team colours stand out, I used to like the Systeme U team colours.

There hardly a fad they've been around too long to be a fad now, and you can repair carbon too"

Bend/snap a lightweight alloy frame and its scrap metal. Carbon fibre frames are a LOT more repairable than alloy - I should know, I have a carbon frame awaiting repair at the moment & its only going to cost circa £100 which is 20% of the cost of a replacement frame.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As for the best outfit this year, none of the team colours stand out, I used to like the Systeme U team colours.

There hardly a fad they've been around too long to be a fad now, and you can repair carbon too

And a lot of the major bike brands like trek offer a repair or replacement if the frame brakes on there bikes

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Replacement so what you are buying is a disposable bike.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Talanski out now, it's a brutal tourspot on, it's taken a fair toll this time out.........

I've probs not been watching as long as most people but I don't remember a tour with this many abandoning

NUmners wise, it's pretty much par for the course. What is very unusual is the calibre of riding that has crashed out. "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It does seem to be a lot of top riders going out this year, there are a lot of dnf's but it is usually a one sentence mention.

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By *uited staffs guyMan
over a year ago

staffordshire

"Yeah broken leg, he's having surgery today, "

No surgery a more minor break than reported, more of a ligament avulsion

One you can cycle with with but causes trouble in the downhill pedalling, which is exactly where he abandoned

Whether more steak would've prevented that who knows

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All my bikes are carbon, road, MTB and CX and all running on Di2 except for the MTB. Never have a steel bike again and never put normal gears on either

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Team sky tiernan locke band for 2 years for doping, not while with team sky so they say

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Team sky tiernan locke band for 2 years for doping, not while with team sky so they say"

The suspect blood values were while with his previous team, maybe that's why he was so good at the TOB that year

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Team sky tiernan locke band for 2 years for doping, not while with team sky so they say

The suspect blood values were while with his previous team, maybe that's why he was so good at the TOB that year

Yeah he's had that stripped as part of his punishment

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Team sky tiernan locke band for 2 years for doping, not while with team sky so they say

The suspect blood values were while with his previous team, maybe that's why he was so good at the TOB that year

That whole year was dodgy as it far exceeded anything he'd achieved before. SKY were in a tough position prior to signing him as he wasn't racing at a level that included the biological passport. As soon as he did submit to those controls the isolated ones for 2012 were (allegedly) clearly dodgy.

Personally I heard rumours years ago when he left the Plowman Craven team mid season (before the team folded).

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hate to say I told you so but with regards to Richie Porte I said all along that his spring would catch up with him

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hate to say I told you so but with regards to Richie Porte I said all along that his spring would catch up with him"

Oh yes, he was certainly found out today. What a machine Nibali was on that final 10k or so. Big respect..........I wish I could climb even a quarter of how well any of those guys do.

Anyone wanna bet on the yellow jersey finishing anywhere other than it's current holder?

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By *etitesaraTV/TS
over a year ago

rochdale

A long shot but I'd love to see Gallopin' Tony on the podium in Paris.

Its nibbles' jersey to lose now though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As long as it's not Valverde I don't mind!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So rumour has it sagan is going to tinkoff saxo, wonder how that will work if contador is still there too, 2 team leaders won't work

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Cannondale have no GC guy hence Sagan being their main hope for glory in green. I think Saxo could manage it easily as they will want Contador at the front in the closing stages every day so it would work fine, sky managed ok with Cav when he was there

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Cannondale have no GC guy hence Sagan being their main hope for glory in green. I think Saxo could manage it easily as they will want Contador at the front in the closing stages every day so it would work fine, sky managed ok with Cav when he was there "

I wouldn't say they did, they were only bothered about yellow and so cav was left to carry bottles and with 1 man to look after him in the groupetto, and on lead out train except that last day,

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wiggo was gassing it on the front a few times that year in the train, safest place to be

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I wouldn't say they did, they were only bothered about yellow and so cav was left to carry bottles and with 1 man to look after him in the groupetto, and on lead out train except that last day, "

it's worth mentioning that Cav broke his contract and has been critical of SKY since leaving. No GC team will want to give up support riders for a sprinter as it gives the other GC teams an advantage

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I wouldn't say they did, they were only bothered about yellow and so cav was left to carry bottles and with 1 man to look after him in the groupetto, and on lead out train except that last day,

it's worth mentioning that Cav broke his contract and has been critical of SKY since leaving. No GC team will want to give up support riders for a sprinter as it gives the other GC teams an advantage"

It's too hard work for the domestiques to lead out sprinters on flat and gc up the hills, I never understood why cav went to sky in the first place, I guess money talked?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Will Sagan win a stage this year??

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I wouldn't say they did, they were only bothered about yellow and so cav was left to carry bottles and with 1 man to look after him in the groupetto, and on lead out train except that last day,

it's worth mentioning that Cav broke his contract and has been critical of SKY since leaving. No GC team will want to give up support riders for a sprinter as it gives the other GC teams an advantage

It's too hard work for the domestiques to lead out sprinters on flat and gc up the hills, I never understood why cav went to sky in the first place, I guess money talked?"

I think SKY are arrogant enough that they genuinely believed that they could win yellow and green. And Cav is (was?) very close to Rod Ellingworth.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Will Sagan win a stage this year??"

Hopefully not. He proved his total lack of class at Flanders last year and I must admit that personally I'm enjoying his not winning.

He might always be there or thereabout but his palmares are pretty thin when it comes to actual wins (a handful of stage wins and Ghent-Wevelgem is about it), I know he's young but he's been a pro for 5 years.

I think they need to look at how the green jersey is awarded, the old style intermediate sprints for nominal points which most other races adapt is far better than the ludicrous set up in the tour

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

As much as I like Cav, it is nice to see he hasn't been as good as he thinks he is.

He is still a talented rider though, but to get to the height as he is I think you have to have a certain amount of arrogance.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So who should I put my money on winning?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A tough day today, big shake up for the podium and top ten gc, nibali to extend his lead he loves going downhill and the stage finishes with a big decent

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A tough day today, big shake up for the podium and top ten gc, nibali to extend his lead he loves going downhill and the stage finishes with a big decent"

Can't see anyone keeping up with nibali, he's way too fit and too clever. Did cragg vale stretch its great up there, might do it again tomorrow

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good stage today.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A tough day today, big shake up for the podium and top ten gc, nibali to extend his lead he loves going downhill and the stage finishes with a big decent

Can't see anyone keeping up with nibali, he's way too fit and too clever. Did cragg vale stretch its great up there, might do it again tomorrow"

Damn, if I put 40 quid on this nibali fella to win I get 41.21 return lol. Serious favourite to win then

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Good stage today. "

Gutted tommy couldn't take the win though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Tomorrow is THE day. Bring on the Tourmalet

Seriously a very excited bird

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Tony Martin, time trailing machine. He doesn't have thighs, he's got pistons.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Tony Martin, time trailing machine. He doesn't have thighs, he's got pistons."

Total machine!

Feel slightly sorry for Niobali, he has dominated this race but people will inevitably say he was lucky as so many crashed out. I think he would have won regardless and tipped him as early as day 1, a dominating ride.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Tony Martin, time trailing machine. He doesn't have thighs, he's got pistons.

Total machine!

You're right, there'll be loads suggesting it's a hollow victory with no Froome or Contador.

Fortunately for him though, the history books will show the winner as Nibali, not who crashes out.

Kudos to anyone that even finishes the ride let alone winning. It's been a bit of a grueller this time round.

Roll on the Vuelta now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's been a good tour lots of thrills and spills, my only issue is the green jersey, sagan hasn't won a stage but is the green jersey, maybe they need to look at how they score that competition?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It's been a good tour lots of thrills and spills, my only issue is the green jersey, sagan hasn't won a stage but is the green jersey, maybe they need to look at how they score that competition?"

Good point, never thought about that one. Had been following the polka dot and white one more.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It's been a good tour lots of thrills and spills, my only issue is the green jersey, sagan hasn't won a stage but is the green jersey, maybe they need to look at how they score that competition?"

I said this earlier in the thread. They need to go back to the old style intermediate sprints.

While it's not the first time the green jersey has been won by a rider not winning a stage but Sagan's style of going with breaks on the hilly and mountain stages makes it a joke. It's supposed to be the most consistent finisher and sagan isn't that

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By *he Gentleman CallerMan
over a year ago

Southampton

I agree, even as an adman - too many breaks - too long (a rare thing that can be too long!)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It's been a good tour lots of thrills and spills, my only issue is the green jersey, sagan hasn't won a stage but is the green jersey, maybe they need to look at how they score that competition?

I said this earlier in the thread. They need to go back to the old style intermediate sprints.

I thought someone else had mentioned it but couldn't see the post, my issue is the intermediate prints it allows for people to break away and score points, maybe they should award double points for the stage winners like they do with mountain top finishes?

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