Tour de France *** 2014 *** [LIVE THREAD]

Le Tour ^ | July 2, 2014 | Various

[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.

[nutmeg]

This effort to convince America that soccer is interesting is bugging me more and more everyday.

Amen to that. Thank goodness the stupid World Cup is finally over. *Yawn*

Ridiculous that NBC SN is showing some stupid soccer game nobody cares about at 8pm ET instead of the TdF prime time show. And today's stage in the Pyrenees was one of the "must watch" stages! Glad I DVR'd the live show this morning...

[PeteB570]

Yeah, I got my big glass of ice water, sat down in front of the TV, turned it on and flicked to the Sports Channel. Soccer? Soccer?

After showing 2 1/2 weeks of the TdF as it gets near the end they switch to Soccer?

[PeteB570]

Lots of heartaches on today’s stage.

But also a lot of gutsy moves by some.

Had to watch the last hour just in case they want to show soccer again tonight.

[patriotspride]

As much as he was involved in telling me about an inside story of some of my heroes, he seemed just as interested to hear me talk about my first pursuit on the track at the districts. He is a genuine great guy; a treasure in our sport.

---

Great memory.

The “ real people” are like that. Humble,interested in you, and not at all enamored by their fame.

The fakes of our political & entertainment world are consumed by I & me, and unfortunately take many an other wise good person down with them in their charlatans game

[Baynative]

Bike Ping

THE REAL DEAL!

Put all that talk about being a poor time trial rider aside. 7 minutes at stage 19 is HUGE. Vincenzo Nibali is not just winning this tour, he's riding away from it and proving he is a genuine champion.

The thunder is gone from the peloton and all there is now is a chance for a singular moment for someone in the pack. I'm gonna have to say this is the time for Peter Sagan. If tomorrow's course doesn't fit him, I don't know what does.

And he's as hungry as a bear coming out of hybernation. If he pulls it off tomorrow, he'll be lining up for the biggie in Paris. A Sagan / Kittel / Greipel show down will certainly be on tap come Sunday ...but there are others who will have spent 20 days thinking about this day and now it's all or nothing.

Could one crazy break away attempt finally succeed on the Champs de Elysees?

SOON WE WILL KNOW!

[Baynative]

"The funny Bob Roll commercials are gone."

[PeteB570]

A few years back they had a little clip of the 7-11 team - mostly featuring Bob. It was funny as all get out.

[patriotspride]

Nibali is in a different zone/league.

Shame the other contenders were out as it could have been really interesting.

[Baynative]

Bike Ping

....and now we're here, Stage 20 - "The race of truth".

So, with nothing to add, I thought I'd throw in a picture of my TT 'rocket' that I never could part with. I haven't ridden it in years, in fact it used to decorate my office wall. Maybe it's time to put it on Ebay instead of collecting dust in the loft. ;-}

(I don't why, but this bike was a perfect blend of geometry and my riding style that made us go real fast together)

[Yogafist]

Is that a Nishiki? Looking at the photo on my phone, so I can’t tell for sure.

[Baynative]

Is that a Nishiki? You betchaa!

(and I think it might be as swift as the carbon fiber stuff built today)

[Yogafist]

Very nice! I still have my Fuji Team I bought around 1985-86. I need to get the back wheel trued, but it is otherwise in excellent condition. I will never part with it as long as I am alive.

[Baynative]

Until carbon fiber became the rage, I think Japanese engineering was leading way.

[PeteB570]

I don’t think anyone is going to grab the Yellow Jersey of the back of Mr N today.

[PeteB570]

Peraud punctures - man that’s hard luck. Crashed last year.

[PeteB570]

And Bardet also punctures. Going to the wire.

[PeteB570]

And Bardet also punctures. Going to the wire.

[Baynative]

Not even remotely possible. This was his tour from the cobbles on.

[PeteB570]

And Mr N just needs to stay out of trouble tomorrow in Paris.

[PeteB570]

So do you think it will be Vos or Olds for the win in La Course tomorrow?