Posted on 07/02/2014 12:26:29 PM PDT by Baynative
While the media tries to make soccer into a real sport we are only three days away from the 2014 Tour de France a genuine test of men against men, men against nature, men against elements and men testing their own hearts and will.
(Excerpt) Read more at letour.com ...
Nibali looks very much in control. Unless he crashes or “cracks” unexpectedly, I think the race is now for #2.
Not a Contador fan at all, but I wasn’t happy to see him out completely. I confess to finding Nibali rather dull.
It will be interesting to see what the teams do. I bet there are a lot of people blown away by how things are changed up so early on. Who takes over for who? Who steps up and makes a name for themselves now?
Did you see Horner’s reaction on being told Contadore was out for good? He was talking about how he might be 10 minutes back or more when the interviewer said “he’s dropped out” and Horner’s expression was like “whaaaaa...t?
I don’t like Contador, and I admit I was pleased he dropped out. That is a sin I will have to confess. The good thing is that the race for the podium is wide open, with about a dozen riders still in the hunt. As for the overall win, it is now Nibali’s to lose. He looks firmly in control, but we’ve seen that anything can happen.
There is one interesting side story to all this confusion. It might open the door for some young guns who came to carry water. Tejay is still a threat, as is Val Verde, but other teams might have newer riders capable of giving it a go who the boss could let loose. I'd enjoy some of that. it would be fun to see a break with four or five no names going at it until someone in the peloton realizes they have 7 or 8 minutes and it could upset the apple cart. Things like that used to happen no and then when TV and wireless communications weren't so common.
I’d send out Talansky on a break on either Wednesday or Thursday, to try to get back 3-4 minutes and get back in contention for the top ten. He’s far enough down to the overall leaders, that I don’t think anyone would be worried enough to challenge him.
Drugador ?
That and he is a wheel-sucker.
Riders don`t like him either.
If he’s healthy enough that could be an upsetter. I like upsetters.
I have not hidden my dislike for Contador but I found myself feeling sad and shocked when he withdrew today. I agree with Pete that Nibali is dull. I am beginning to wonder if he is doping. How he can ride away from everyone like he is out for a Sunday ride is a mystery to me.
I was sick over Gallopin. He was destroyed after today’s stage and so crestfallen after losing the jersey. TeJay had a good day and rode himself back into contention which is amazing after he lost so much time in the crash. Horner is hanging tough, too. We joked a few days ago that the winner would surely be the rider who could remain standing and now it’s looking like a real possibility!
Tony Martin looked so strong yet again today and then - poof!- he hit the wall. Amazing.
My guess for a potentially pivotal attack would be Tejay, or Rui Costa. Richie Porte can do some damage, but I can't see him getting loose. I don't know who the best descender near the top of the GC is, but someone willing to take some chances to get away going down hill might pull off a surprise.
Velonews story on Conrador’s crash and bike damage
Shows how confusing reporting can be with the rush to get news out.
Rest Day
Now we can understand why poor Hillary Clinton has such a hard time with facts.
Now we can understand why poor Hillary Clinton has such a hard time with facts.
Wouldn’t mind seeing her go off the side of a mountain during one of those
“ what difference does it make “ moments.. :):)
To be on the podium he needs to find 1’9” to move himself from 7th to 3rd.
Possible - so I’m pulling for him to be on the podium also.
How good of a time trailer is he ?
If he can pull back some time in mountains, can he make up the difference in TT ?
For a rider who is 42, Horner’s ride has been remarkable (17th after Monday).
Agree. He also represents the sport well in his interviews. Nice to see that in todays often non articulate athlete world....
Fabian Cancellara withdrew today.
Wow, I can’t recall someone abandoning on a fest day. He must have been pushed harder than they thought.
This story in Nelonews kinda’ says “Oh, well”
Fabian Cancellara will not start stage 11 of Tour
Read more at http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/07/news/fabian-cancellara-will-start-stage-11-tour_336461#1jPK1TU5kUmuxHgz.99
They said Gallopin took losing the Yellow Jersey hard. I guess he felt he had something to prove today. I’m surprised Sagan couldn’t snag that one.
Been jumping like crazy all day. Did check in at the end and read who won the stage but I’ll be watching tonight.
I thought that today was a rest day.
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