Tour de France

[Terry Newton]

Phil Liggett: Stage 5, Cholet - Châteauroux 232 km

After you lead a stage of the Tour de France for virtually the whole stage * and the longest one this year, at that * then you deserve to win. But it does not work that way, and French champion Nicolas Vogondy was swept up with about 50 yards to go, being passed by Team Colombia's Mark Cavendish.

This has been a great beginning for both new American teams...

Team Colombia and Garmin Chipolte; both American teams are doing fabulous in the tour.

Cadel Evans; the Australian is also doing fabulous.

As I stated to Steve; our fearless leader, "It ain't over till the fat lady sings."

Steve probably will owe me a public apology when one of the American teams, if not both, are podium finishers and I likewise if Cadel Evans wins.

Terry Newton

[seantk]

Terry,

I lost all interest in the Tour

I watched it religiously during the Lance years and really got turned off by Tyler Hamilton, Floyd Landis and the accusations against Jan Ullrich (who I wanted to see win it again)

I will tune in during the time trial

Sean

[toph]

I feel sorry for the genuine cyclists that train so hard that just get beaten by drug Cheats- oh thats the olympics!
Its a shame as a really love the Tour de France

[Terry Newton]

Cycling got unfairly targeted. Now it comes out that Marion Jones records are bogus, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGuire, etc. all tainted their sports. They were not tested at all or near as rigorously as cycling. I don't believe in cheating for any sport. I think they all need to come clean. I just think it is a shame to unfairly target cycling when all of them have done it. I believe this tour is being run clean.

Terry Newton

[boa2]

Thanks for posting, Terry. I'm bummed they didn't invite Astana, who dominated the Giro. No Contador. No Leipheimer. No Kloden. Dang!

Athletes dope in EVERY professional sport. Their careers depend upon winning, and the public wants winners, at any cost. If the governing body turned a blind eye, as they do in virtually every other sport, there would be no issue.

[Lisa]

It's that time of year again - it sneaked up on me, so thanks, Terry, for the heads up! I used to be absolutely glued to the TV when Greg LeMond was riding - and of course Lance was a mind-bender to watch, too.

I wonder the same thing - why IS cycling under such scrutiny with doping/drug issues when other sports aren't?

[jdc]

I see that Mark Cavendish for team Columbia who won yesterdays stage is a Brit

[pwrslider]

Originally Posted by seantk

Terry,

I lost all interest in the Tour

I watched it religiously during the Lance years and really got turned off by Tyler Hamilton, Floyd Landis and the accusations against Jan Ullrich (who I wanted to see win it again)

I will tune in during the time trial

Sean

X2!.........I feel the same.......although if I actually sit down to start watching...I get instantly hooked...and I don't really have a fav!

[Lol-x]

Cadel Evans did reasonably well last night, quite promising for the mountain stages. He's coming second overall (6 seconds behind the leader), so he is in an excellent position on general classification.

I don't think an Aussie has ever gone into The Tour as favorite, so this is huge, and it will be enormous for Australian Cycling if he can win.

Cycling in the USA must have made major advances as a result of guys like Lemond and Armstrong.

I agree drugs are very disappointing, my biggest disappointment was Alexander Vinakourov, man he was the dude but how disapointing was that.

Anyway, like all things, it is best to focus on the positive aspects and that restores your faith and confidence in humanity.

[Dan Pierce]

Watching as much as I can but I'm no rooting for anyone in particular.
dP

[charles]

Good race so far...Sun & Mon it heats up in the Pyrenees. Two nasty days coming...

[boa2]

Through Stage 10, and Cadel jumps in 1st by one second.

http://cyclingnews.com/road/2008/tou...sults/tour0810

[Lol-x]

1 second isn't a lot at all

I was a little disappointed in Cadel failing to keep up with the leaders going up the last mountain on today's stage.

But Cadel did have a pretty bad crash yesterday and it was only by some miracle that he didn't break any bones.
Tomorrow is a rest day, and hopefully that will give him a chance to recouperate for the journey ahead.

I really think it is quite an open race, there is a long way to go, and anything could happen.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

1 second isn't a lot at all

I was a little disappointed in Cadel failing to keep up with the leaders going up the last mountain on today's stage.

But Cadel did have a pretty bad crash yesterday and it was only by some miracle that he didn't break any bones.
Tomorrow is a rest day, and hopefully that will give him a chance to recouperate for the journey ahead.

I really think it is quite an open race, there is a long way to go, and anything could happen.

No question, Steve. A long, LONG way to go. But it's exciting to see him up there, and one second is enough for him to put on the yellow jersey.

Schleck is pretty impressive as well. What I don't get is how Valverde--whom I would have picked as a future Tour winner--has spent his career looking like a contender one day, and a domestique the next.

[Dan Pierce]

I love to climb but watching these mountain stages hurts.
dP

[Lol-x]

You guys in the USA have had it too good for too long with Lance and before him Greg Lemond.

Now it's "Aussie Time" go Cadel!!!!! He was pretty emotional, I think he shed a few tears when putting on the yellow jersey.

What was impressive is after that crash he had (did you see his wounds and clothes were ripped to shreds) to get back on the bike and do the mountains the next day, if nothing else he deserves a pat on the back for that.

So I'm happy for the moment, have to see how things go for the next 2 weeks, man this is a long race and lots more mountains too.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

You guys in the USA have had it too good for too long with Lance and before him Greg Lemond.

Now it's "Aussie Time" go Cadel!!!!! He was pretty emotional, I think he shed a few tears when putting on the yellow jersey.

What was impressive is after that crash he had (did you see his wounds and clothes were ripped to shreds) to get back on the bike and do the mountains the next day, if nothing else he deserves a pat on the back for that.

So I'm happy for the moment, have to see how things go for the next 2 weeks, man this is a long race and lots more mountains too.

Although they haven't won the Tour, the Aussies have also been well represented by Robbie McEwen & Stuart O'Grady. Super-studs!!! Michael Rogers ain't too shabby either.

I'm pulling for Cadel.

[Lol-x]

He boa2 thanks man

Cycling in the TDF isn't really one country against another as these guys are on teams (with lots of $$$). I think Cadel rides for 'Predictor' a pregnancy testing company (go figure that out )

Anyway, I'm getting into trouble having late nights (2am finishes). We all have our problems

Interesting to see there are new Camagnolo gear systems with 11 cogs on the back wheel now When will it ever end.....

McEwan and O'Grady have had a good time in the peleton and have been great for cycling. I've met them both, pretty amazing athletes.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

He boa2 thanks man

Cycling in the TDF isn't really one country against another as these guys are on teams (with lots of $$$). I think Cadel rides for 'Predictor' a pregnancy testing company (go figure that out )

Anyway, I'm getting into trouble having late nights (2am finishes). We all have our problems

Interesting to see there are new Camagnolo gear systems with 11 cogs on the back wheel now When will it ever end.....

McEwan and O'Grady have had a good time in the peleton and have been great for cycling. I've met them both, pretty amazing athletes.

My wife and I were on the Alpe d'Huez for the 2001 TDF. We also went to the Giro and Milan San Remo that year as well. Can you tell we love cycling?

That's incredible that you met those guys. Robbie is one of my favorite cyclists of all time!

Here's a fun story for you:
I once surprised my wife with a Lemond bicycle. About a month later, the shop asked if she would like to take a special ride with other Lemond owners, led by none other than...Greg Lemond! It was quite a thrill for her, I must say. As you can tell from the photo below, I surprised her with an upgrade.

[Lol-x]

That's cool boa2

Wow an upgrade to a Merckx, I love that bike. I've met Eddie Merckx a couple of times at bike shows (Los Vegas). He came here to Melbourne for a race about a year ago and a friend of mine went out for a ride with him along the beach. Pretty cool.

Robbie is one of my favorite cyclists of all time. Man he had a night here a few years ago and they auctioned off some of his stuff. I regret not having bought his TDF number that he wore

I did buy a helmet of O'Grady about 10 years ago. It was really cool, back then a new model Giro helmet, wasn't released in Australia for another 2 years after that, so many people asked me about it

I had a Merckx EXPro Titanium (made by Litespeed under licence) say about 8 years ago, took it to Europe and rode around Italy on it, man that was one sweet bike.

Merckx bikes are great, I so wanted one of his scandium/aluminium bikes a couple of years ago. Anyway, I got a Cannondale (which I am very happy with).

[pwrslider]

Originally Posted by seantk

Terry,

I lost all interest in the Tour

Sean

I'm with ya..I've lost all interest in France too!

[Dan Pierce]

American rider Christian Vandevelde is currently in 3rd place. Looks like I do have favorite to root for.
dP

[Chappy]

The tour has been awesome so far , looking for more action in the mountains ... damn Ricardo Rico AKA the cobra ... can he climb or what

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Chappy

The tour has been awesome so far , looking for more action in the mountains ... damn Ricardo Rico AKA the cobra ... can he climb or what

Yes he can and it sure is fun to watch.
dP

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by Chappy

The tour has been awesome so far , looking for more action in the mountains ... damn Ricardo Rico AKA the cobra ... can he climb or what

I agree that dude Ricardo Rico is awesome, he can ride up a mountain like he is riding down one. Definitely a guy to watch out for in the future.
I like his nickname to "The Cobra"

[Terry Newton]

There is always going to be somebody that tries to buck the system. The stupidity is that everyone knows in the last few years that they are going to be heavily scrutinized. Someone still tries to get over on the system though as evidenced by this latest revelation: http://sports.iwon.com/news/07162008/v6021.html

Cadel Evans is doing great though and looks like he may be the main podium finisher. It will be a great day for Australia as most of them barely know what a bicycle is or what it looks like.

Of course our fearless leader is proof that one or two of them recognize a good bicycle when they see it. That is an incredible Cannondale.

Terry Newton

[boa2]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

That's cool boa2

Wow an upgrade to a Merckx, I love that bike. I've met Eddie Merckx a couple of times at bike shows (Los Vegas). He came here to Melbourne for a race about a year ago and a friend of mine went out for a ride with him along the beach. Pretty cool.

Robbie is one of my favorite cyclists of all time. Man he had a night here a few years ago and they auctioned off some of his stuff. I regret not having bought his TDF number that he wore

I did buy a helmet of O'Grady about 10 years ago. It was really cool, back then a new model Giro helmet, wasn't released in Australia for another 2 years after that, so many people asked me about it

I had a Merckx EXPro Titanium (made by Litespeed under licence) say about 8 years ago, took it to Europe and rode around Italy on it, man that was one sweet bike.

Merckx bikes are great, I so wanted one of his scandium/aluminium bikes a couple of years ago. Anyway, I got a Cannondale (which I am very happy with).

That's pretty cool you met Eddy!

We once went to the huge bike/motorcycle expo in Milan, and I thought my wife was going to faint when she got an autograph from Mario Cippolini.

Nice bike! My wife's is in fact the scandium/aluminum Team SC, in the limited stars & stripes combination. I love Merckx bikes as well, particularly for their geometry.

While riding in Italy, I met Andy Hampsten purely by accident. The only American to win the Tour of Italy, and a very nice guy as well.

[Lol-x]

Mario Cippolini - the Italian stallion. He could pass for an Italian male model any day. Funny about your wife nearly passing out

That frame you wife has is the same one I wanted in orange/dark blue. Man that is a very very nice bike.

It's fantastic riding in Italy, especially along the coastline from Napoli to Salerno. One of the best rides of my life.

Cadel still in Yellow, seems like he is starting to enjoy it. He said with all the publicity he feels like a rock star, only problem is they were all (media) guys and no girls wanting to talk to him.

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by Chappy

The tour has been awesome so far , looking for more action in the mountains ... damn Ricardo Rico AKA the cobra ... can he climb or what

Looks like we spoke to soon about this guy Ricardo Rico, he has been kicked out of the Tour for using drugs (EPO) and will also be getting a 2 year ban from cycling. It's a crying shame when something like this happens, but it is good for the sport, as it shows that those who think they can take drugs will be caught.

Now Cadel just needs to win

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Looks like we spoke to soon about this guy Ricardo Rico, he has been kicked out of the Tour for using drugs (EPO) and will also be getting a 2 year ban from cycling. It's a crying shame when something like this happens, but it is good for the sport, as it shows that those who think they can take drugs will be caught.

Now Cadel just needs to win

Unbelievable. How could you dope after all that's happened before the tour?

Christian Vandevelde is only 38 sec back in 3rd place. Keepin' my eye on him.
dP