Posted on 07/02/2010 11:30:15 AM PDT by Ready4Freddy
The officials had to screen bikes for hidden motors this year? Maybe they should have checked Cav's for a rocket booster!
” Have you seen your statue yet? “
Is that the Jean D Arc one just after the tunnel?
Yep, that’s Jeanne d’Arc, RighteousMomma’s personal statue -she used to live not far from it.
” Yep, that’s Jeanne d’Arc, RighteousMomma’s personal statue -she used to live not far from it.”
Reason I asked is I watched Lance enter Paris during his first tour win from that corner. That’s how I knew (minus spelling) who the statue is dedicated to.
Good spot as the peleton has to slow down to make the curve, and then stretches out for awhile giving a good view of the individuals and teams.
Have enjoyed the exchanges and look forward to next years thread............
Big points back 2-3 stages to go, then two 35-point days in a row and he wins handily. Damn.
I'm going to look for some youtubes of Mark when he was a track rider; he must have been in warp speed in that discipline!
Yes. Even better on the statue itself if you wouldn't get hauled in by the gendarmerie for hanging off of it. I always wonder how they're getting that camera shot on Versus. You notice this year that corner was packed with Norwegians there to see Thor win. (sniff-sniff)
PS) that must have been one of the true thrills of a lifetime to see that first win in person. Were you able to catch it anywhere before Paris that year?
For anyone that didn’t catch the discussion at the end of the broadcast, Paul Sherwen said that Andy and Alberto are very close friends off their bikes. I didn’t know that.
Also, earlier, Phil Liggett said Andy popped his chain because of the sharp angle between front and rear tires and unfortunately hit a bump at the worst possible time. :pop:
So was it really “mechanical” failure? We’ll have to keep arguing I guess. =)
All in all, a very fun sprint at the end. Great tour. I thought Alberto’s comments were gracious from the podium. But I’m looking for you, next year, Andy Schleck!!
Cavendish is amazing .. rocket booster is right! wow!
Really enjoyed reading this thread and following along. I thought the race coverage was quite good, and I tip my hat to all the riders, what a grueling 3 weeks!
Next year, Andy, eh?
Ryder Hesjedal stepped in pretty well for Garmin.
Yes he did, Mr. Blonde, good point. I think we should take a little look back and see who we think is/was the best of the younger crowd, who we'll be cheering in a few years to come.
Then send an email to RSH w/ our wish list. ;>)
” Yes. Even better on the statue itself if you wouldn’t get hauled in by the gendarmerie for hanging off of it. I always wonder how they’re getting that camera shot on Versus. You notice this year that corner was packed with Norwegians there to see Thor win. (sniff-sniff) “
As I recall they station the TV trucks right behind it.
Answering your other post did get in one other stage. The one right before entry into Paris (Futuroscope time trial)
Was fortunate to live in Belgium from 96-2000 so saw the 99 tour, and as importantly enjoyed many of the Belgian classics in prior years.
Did get to ride parts of some of the routes in Belgium with friends. To the Belgians, their classics are like our Pro sports events, a reason to gather family, friends, and wager a little money on your favorite rider...........
We were watching the Tour in 1999 on rue de Rivoli and even took a photo of Jeanne then to commemorate Lance’s first win.
We were able to watch the Tour finish live in Paris from 1996-1999. I love the way the French line the Champs with giant tv screens so nothing is missed. So much fun!
This has been a good thread. Thanks again, Ready4Freddy
We just returned home from out of town so now will belatedly watch the rerun of the finish and I will look for my statue.
Great seeing you Leilani!
” I love the way the French line the Champs with giant tv screens so nothing is missed. So much fun!”
They do know how to handle this event in a fan friendly way.
Nothing like the support shown for all the riders at the end of a grueling event.
Fond memories all the way around.
Thanks again R4F!!! See you all next year! (sniff!)
:’-(
Joie de vivre comes to mind when I think of how the Parisians celebrate everything from soccer to military parades. I also love how the various European fans (like after World Cup games) march through the streets unabashedly singing.
The Tour is really a source of national pride with the French and yet every year the crowds come and cheer no matter who claims the yellow.
Just saw my golden statue!
If anyone has ever driven the course like we did about 4 years ago it does seem like an almost superhuman feat.
Yet Lance survived cancer and has won 7 times. Incredible!
I guess this will be the last time we will ever see Lance competing on the Champs. We were living in Atlanta when he first raced and saw him on Peachtree in Buckhead (1990ish ,pre Olympic?) and have followed his racing progress since.
(Might add that my husband is also a Texan. LOL)
Thanks for still being here for my late “finish”.
Let’s talk favorite moments of this year’s Tour!
Ok... I’ll go first!
Some of the stage winners were just wonderful this year. To see a guy go out early in the stage and stay out- alone in most cases - to the finish is so exciting.The look of sheer joy as they realize they aren’t going to be caught is fantastic. Chavanel, Riblon, Voeckler all were so very happy to survive and win.
I also got a big chuckle out of Paul’s comment this week when Robert Gesink had a puncture. Phil at first thought it was Menchov but then said, “no! It’s Gesink!” Paul then said, “I’m guessing it’s Robert”. Snort, snort! ;-)
This is kinda perverse but my favorite moment might be on Stage 3(I believe) when all the crashes where happening and the second to last crash completely blocked the course. It was so comical looking.
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