Posted on 07/01/2011 7:58:26 PM PDT by Ready4Freddy
Back in 1985, the year Luz-Ardiden was introduced to the Tour, this climb saw a battle equally dramatic. But this time drama ensued not because someone attacked, but because someone didn’t, and was told not to. The directors of his La Vie Claire team ordered Greg Lemond, who was in position to attack and win the tour on the slopes of Luz-Ardiden, to sit up and wait for his ailing French teammate and current leader of the race, Bernard Hinault, whom they said was very close behind. Lemond soft pedaled and waited, and waited, and watched his dream of winning the tour disappear.
It turns out that Hinault was more than 3 minutes behind Lemond. Lemond was enraged, because he was clearly stronger than Hinault that year and could have easily won the tour to become the first American ever to win the race. After that stage, a deal was made that that if Lemond continued to help Hinault win one more time in ’85 (his fifth victory), the Frenchman would help Lemond win the following year in 1986.
Hinault did not live up to his word and attacked Lemond in the ’86 tour on the road to Pau (also in the Pyrenees). Lemond was forced to counter attack and Hinault had no answer. Lemond finally won his first Tour de France as the first American victor in 1986.
Watch this video showing Lemond and Hinault on Luz-Ardiden in 1985, which pitted the teammates against each other as adversaries.
Yeah! Finally, mountains.
These are the stories that make me like cycling.
Interesting finish! Schlecks looked strong, as did Basso & Evans.
Even Voelcker had more moxie than Contador.
I think Contador got the message!
Today he commented that Voekler was, "stamping on the pedals as if he was trying to break the bike in half!"
Then, as Contador tried to open a gap, "Andy will have none of that!"
Ok. In the past I always considered Phil a good natured guy with a lot of charm. This year, in the beginning of each stage’s show introduction with the broadcast team, he seems somewhat short and bizarrely abrasive. Like he’s the only one there not having fun. Kinda wonder if he got a bad contract or something.
249 posts so far and nobody is talking about who is going to win the Red Lantern.
I can't remember them exactly, but I caught two 'back and forths' between Phil and Paul that sounded a little pissy. Both times they were talking about historic landmarks. On one occasion Paul said, "I don't know where you came up with that!" and then Phil admitted a needed correction.
Hahahaha! OK- who’s your guess?
Maybe they’re like an old married couple that starts picking at one another after many years...
Boy, I watch entirely too much TdF. lol.
Yah, I’m happy with the way things ended up. Voekler seemed surprised to still have the maillot jaune, but I like that guy. Bastille day, Frenchman in yellow, magnificent finish by all, Contador 4:00 back overall. What’s to hate ;)
Sammy Sanchez, he looked beat after finishing first, but what a ride. Frank sends his message, Basso was looking good man, Cadel was pretty much right there, beautiful mountains, I will sleep well tonight.
There’s a video on the TdF site of an interview with Sanchez after the stage. It is very interesting and also touching. He talks about how he has sacrificed a lot this year for the team and how much it means to him. He has had to spend time away from his family and children but today makes it all worth it. His team doesn’t have a big budget and everyone is Basque but him but today they are happy. He said a win like today makes their entire year.
I am always amazed at all the stories that surface about the various riders and teams in the TdF. Some of these guys live “Hollywood” lives- clubs, girls, etc but a lot live modestly with their families and just work hard. Such a cool sport!
Well Jerome is looking pretty “good” this year with 11 stage “wins” in the TdF.
The only other with 11 - who finished lately - was Vansevenant (now under a doping cloud) .
Stage 13 - Pau > > > Lourdes - 152.5 km
Friday, July 15, 2011
Km 43.5 - Côte de Cuqueron - 1.5 km climb to 8.1 % - Category 3
Km 65.0 - Côte de Belair - 1.0 km climb to 8.4 % - Category 4
Km 110.0 - Col d'Aubisque (1 709 m) - 16.4 km climb to 7.1 % - Category HC
Stage 13 - Pau > > > Lourdes - 152.5 km
Friday, July 15, 2011
High Mountains - A sporting perspective
JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS: A chance for glory
“This is a stage that will suit the breakaway specialists, the baroudeurs, who can take some big climbs in their stride, because the Aubisque features about halfway through. Last year, one of the most memorable stages was the one over the Madeleine, with the finish about 30km on from that summit. Once again, if there are plenty of attacks, it will only need one of the favourites to get caught out and his rivals will all react, and we will see a significant change in the overall order. On the other hand, a team leader who has already been struggling could try to go for glory on the Aubisque, because from there the road is all downhill. As there is no summit finish today, the best climbers won’t go all out today. They will just stay in the wheels. Other riders, those likely to finish between 15th and 30th in Paris, will contest the victory once the sprinters have been eliminated from today’s equation.”
Thanks for that perspective.
Helps to have a general feel for how the days stage may develop
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