Title: The Tour de France thread
Description: Starts Saturday July 4th
Elche - July 3, 2009 12:54 PM (GMT)
I can't wait this year.
To see the return of Lance, to see if our very own Mark Cavendish can win the Green jersey, to see if Contador is really the Successor in waiting....oh and some doping charges of course.
Elche - July 3, 2009 12:58 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish are among the star names who will be hoping to make the headlines when the Tour de France begins in Monaco on Saturday.
Cavendish won four stages last year and goes into his third Tour as a contender to become the first British rider to win the green jersey as best sprinter.
Seven-time champion Armstrong has come out of retirement to ride again.
But Armstrong's Astana team-mate Alberto Contador is favourite to top the podium in Paris on 26 July.
Spaniard Contador won in 2007 but his new team were barred entry into last year's race because of several positive drugs tests returned by former riders.
Reigning champion Carlos Sastre is back, now at the helm of the Cervelo Test Team.
Starting with the 9.6-mile prologue time trial in Monaco, the event will cover 2,150 miles, in 21 stages, stopping off in Spain, Andorra, Switzerland and Italy as well as France.
Along with Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and David Millar - who both ride for Team Garmin-Slipstream - and Charles Wegelius make up the British contingent in the race's 180-strong field.
But Cavendish, who rides for the Columbia-HTC team, is likely to hog the limelight.
After a strong start to the season that included victory in three stages of the Giro d'Italia and the Milan-San Remo Classic, he bids to become the first Brit to win a Tour jersey since Robert Millar was King of the Mountains in 1987.
Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this month, Cavendish said his main aim this year is to finish the race for the first time, although he believes there are "six or seven" stages that could suit him.
Four of those come in the first week, with a visit to Barcelona before the race moves into the Pyrenees, and more come in week two, before the riders reach the Alps.
"I've done two Tours now and won four stages last year but I didn't reach Paris," he said.
"Sure, it would be nice to win four stages again but in the Tour de France you've got to be content with one stage win and I will be as long as I reach Paris.
"If I reach Paris and I win as much as I can along the way, maybe the green jersey comes then. But I won't be disappointed if I don't have it."
Cavendish, who struggles in the mountains, will have to deal with seven mountain stages if he is to reach Paris.
And the toughest of them all will be the climb of Mont Ventoux in Provence, when the Tour has a mountain finish on its penultimate stage for the first time, in its 96th running.
Contador may be the favourite, but he'd better be on top form as soon as he leaves the starters' ramp because if push comes to shove, this is Armstrong's team
Armstrong, who won the race from 1999 to 2005, believes Ventoux will be key but has spent the week before the race training in the Alps around Annecy, where the potentially decisive time trial takes place on 23 July.
Armstrong, 37, broke his collarbone in March but took part in the Giro d'Italia, which he finished in 12th place overall, almost 16 minutes behind Menchov.
"It's not going to be easy to win," he admitted.
"In December and January, I thought it would be easier. It ends up being more difficult than I thought, perhaps because of the crash, of the complicated season or simply because I'm older now."
The American has admitted to feeling nervous ahead of the start of the race.
"I don't have the same confidence as I had before, that's natural, I think, after being away for four years," he added.
"I come with an extreme sense of excitement and also, quite honestly, a heck of a lot of nerves but come Saturday afternoon I'll be excited to be there."
Armstrong's Tour dominance was built around a strong team and - although Astana are on paper the strongest team in the race - they have publicly committed to supporting Contador as their team leader.
This could lead to some difficult tactical decisions for team director Johan Bruyneel if both men are challenging in the general classification late in the race.
Armstrong said he would be willing to support Contador if the Spaniard proves likelier to win.
"Out of respect for him, out of respect for the team and out of respect for the rules of cycling, I would do it with pleasure," he insisted.
"We really have a clear-cut favourite that we can say he is better than the other contenders.
"Nobody wants to lose. I'm not going to act irresponsibly. And at the end of the day, we will have to follow the orders of the team's director." |
McNamara That Ghost... - July 3, 2009 12:58 PM (GMT)
Will be interesting to see who Astana back. Whatever happens though, they have a fantastic team.
Elche - July 3, 2009 01:34 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (McNamara That Ghost... @ Jul 3 2009, 01:58 PM) |
| Will be interesting to see who Astana back. Whatever happens though, they have a fantastic team. |
I personally don't think Lance has had enough time to prepare because of the Broken Collar bone, and I think the Giro was too much before a Tour.
So given that the team will be behind Contador , as of the orders from the top.
But and this is where it's interesting, and you have to look who's in the team..If Lance is better than we expect, if Lance is holding around 1 to 2 minutes off the lead going into the Second mountain stages......you would not bet against the team siding with Lance...especially as his best friend Levi is in the team.
Alberto Contador is the best tour rider, but is a loner and has been quite arrogent in his view of who should be team leader...Lance has said OK...you der man...and been relaxed.
I can see Contador throwing his toys out of the pram Alonso style.
All makes for great viewing....
Outside bets to win Menchov after a great Giro.
Looking for something spectacular from Cavendish too.
McNamara That Ghost... - July 3, 2009 01:41 PM (GMT)
Yup Cavendish should finish the tour at the very least, with no Olympics to prepare for.
Rors - July 3, 2009 06:24 PM (GMT)
I would go as far to say Cavendish NEEDS to finish the tour(he will always be capable of stage wins). To his credit, that's what he is publicy saying too.
Looking forward to the Armstrong/Contador/Kloden/Leipheimer internecine battles :scarf:
As always, cannot wait.
McNamara That Ghost... - July 3, 2009 06:25 PM (GMT)
This clashing with the Ashes is going to cause a bit of a headache.
:angry:
adzzzbatch - July 3, 2009 06:25 PM (GMT)
Rors - July 3, 2009 06:34 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (McNamara That Ghost... @ Jul 3 2009, 07:25 PM) |
This clashing with the Ashes is going to cause a bit of a headache.
:angry: |
Poor 'Back' button...
McNamara That Ghost... - July 3, 2009 06:44 PM (GMT)
Sky doesn't have one! Well not one that works in the same way.
McNamara That Ghost... - July 4, 2009 05:21 PM (GMT)
Wiggins in first currently.
:bow:
A fair few riders to go yet however.
McNamara That Ghost... - July 4, 2009 05:23 PM (GMT)
Cancellara first now
:lol:
McNamara That Ghost... - July 4, 2009 05:27 PM (GMT)
And Cancellara it is that wins.
Rors - July 5, 2009 09:13 AM (GMT)
Damn good opening that. Good stuff from Wiggins too coming in a very impressive third. Lance coming in a not-shabby tenth, just 40seconds down. Sastre lost over a minute, but I doubt he will be too worried just yet. Should think we'll be getting three days of quality sprint action to take us into the team time trial.
McNamara That Ghost... - July 5, 2009 09:17 AM (GMT)
Hope the Wimbledon final is done in straight sets.
:D
Rors - July 5, 2009 06:17 PM (GMT)
For those who would have understandably missed the live broadcast earlier, highlights on ITV4right now
McNamara That Ghost... - July 5, 2009 06:46 PM (GMT)
McNamara That Ghost... - July 5, 2009 06:50 PM (GMT)
Superb from Cavendish again.
Rors - July 5, 2009 07:13 PM (GMT)
Got the perfect lead out, then just kept his head down for the last 500metres. Untouchable at the mo.
subtractabayour - July 6, 2009 11:44 AM (GMT)
I really hope that Cavendish wins a sprint that isn't set up for him this Tour - to silence those who are already (unbelievably) claiming that he can't do it by himself.
Can't believe how poorly Menchov did on Saturday, BTW - I wanted him to challenge this Tour, and I fear that its already all over, red rover for him. Mind you I was a Vinokourov fan too (I like mavericks) so shows how much I know.
adzzzbatch - July 6, 2009 03:13 PM (GMT)
McNamara That Ghost... - July 6, 2009 03:20 PM (GMT)
Adz. can you post when they are within five km of finishing?
adzzzbatch - July 6, 2009 03:21 PM (GMT)
McNamara That Ghost... - July 6, 2009 03:23 PM (GMT)
Elche - July 6, 2009 03:25 PM (GMT)
2 Things I know for sure.
Cavendish is the fastest road cyclist, and it breeds jealousy. People look to put him down where they can. His sprint yesterday was started a long way out. Not normal for Tour sprints. His sheer speed and power got him that, not the team...When its set up nearer to the end, its the team...but this was different.
I expect Contador to win the Tour and not be out of the Top 3 from now on...That time trail time caught his rivals out, and hes the strongest in the Mountains....Menchov is already gone, and maybe Sastre too.
Leipheimer, Evans look to be the main rivals..although Lance could hang in there and get a Top 10 which would be incredible..
That TT was so significant in this years tour because of the strength og the Astana team.
Lance won 7 because he TT'ed better than the rest and attacked in the Mountains...then combined it with the best team...Contador has it, and could win 5 tours....maybe more.
adzzzbatch - July 6, 2009 03:55 PM (GMT)
McNamara That Ghost... - July 6, 2009 03:59 PM (GMT)
Got it on now, thanks.
:good:
McNamara That Ghost... - July 6, 2009 04:02 PM (GMT)
****spoiler*****
Cavendish again.
:bow:
Elche - July 6, 2009 05:53 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Elche @ Jul 6 2009, 04:25 PM) |
2 Things I know for sure.
Cavendish is the fastest road cyclist, and it breeds jealousy. People look to put him down where they can. His sprint yesterday was started a long way out. Not normal for Tour sprints. His sheer speed and power got him that, not the team...When its set up nearer to the end, its the team...but this was different.
I expect Contador to win the Tour and not be out of the Top 3 from now on...That time trail time caught his rivals out, and hes the strongest in the Mountains....Menchov is already gone, and maybe Sastre too.
Leipheimer, Evans look to be the main rivals..although Lance could hang in there and get a Top 10 which would be incredible..
That TT was so significant in this years tour because of the strength og the Astana team.
Lance won 7 because he TT'ed better than the rest and attacked in the Mountains...then combined it with the best team...Contador has it, and could win 5 tours....maybe more. |
What do I know about cycling...Contador caught out today, and is now in 4th 19 seconds behind an incredible Lance Armstrong who took 30 plus seconds on his team mate today.
That would have shocked Contador and the team...Lance was, quick, strong like the Lance of old....Fantastic stuff....and Cav what can I say....he der man.
Rors - July 6, 2009 07:44 PM (GMT)
Bit early historically for the old crosswinds to play their part. That's why the old axiom 'always be in the first 20 in the peloton' is more than just a hoary catchphrase. Albo (and Sastre/Menchov) weren't there, and were punishd. Not that it will count for too much the long-run.
Cavendish again had it in the bag from 800 out. Amazing :respect:
McNamara That Ghost... - July 6, 2009 08:14 PM (GMT)
I can't remember too many times watching Tour de Frances over the years and thinking sprints were almost a forgone conclusion even with Zabel, Cipollini etc.
Elche - July 7, 2009 07:33 AM (GMT)
The tour is living up to the hype this year.
Now today will come the fallout of a potentially explosive situation created by yesterday's finish.
Contador the leader, dropped by members of his team allowing Lance to not only escape with the leading pack but put 40 seconds on Contador.
Was Alberto asleep? It seems impossible that Astana allow this to happen. It seems impossible that Alberto didn't anticipate the break away. It showed Armstrongs class and experience.
What a stage, normally the sprints are dull, but this was quite brilliant.
So to the fallout..What will Contador say this morning? The Spanish media have a new Ron Denis, they are attacking Astana's Manager with everything they have this morning...blaming him, Lance and the others but of course not pointing blame at Alberto for just being shite yesterday.
Great theatre...Lance won't win the Tour but he'll sure make it one to remember.
I expect Contador to come back incredibly strong and motivated not...he'll be foaming at the mouth.
McNamara That Ghost... - July 7, 2009 03:21 PM (GMT)
*****
Astana are fastest at the third intermediate checkpoint. Lance would take yellow as it stands.
:bow:
McNamara That Ghost... - July 7, 2009 03:33 PM (GMT)
*****
Cancellara keeps yellow but Lance is next on the classifications with 0"
:lol:
Rors - July 7, 2009 04:20 PM (GMT)
Only stage four and already stage-win countback having to be used to deduce who is in yellow! What a start
Astana are the new Super-Confex
adzzzbatch - July 7, 2009 09:27 PM (GMT)
Lance :bow:
Btw why isn't the US Postal Team back with him?
McNamara That Ghost... - July 7, 2009 10:43 PM (GMT)
He wasn't with the US Postal near his retirement anyway - was with the Discovery channel team.
:lol:
adzzzbatch - July 7, 2009 11:10 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (McNamara That Ghost... @ Jul 7 2009, 11:43 PM) |
He wasn't with the US Postal near his retirement anyway - was with the Discovery channel team.
:lol: |
:doh:
Of course!
Elche - July 7, 2009 11:25 PM (GMT)
Great Astana performance but not unexpected...Lance almost in Yellow...
It's just getting ridiculous now...he lost out by 2 tenths and no one knows where those 2 tenths came from except the French.
There'll be no change now until the mountains...unless someone can win a stage by a few minutes.
A chance for Cav to destroy the field now over the next few days.
Lance...well wonderful stuff. I know you can't win it, and you said today that its going to be hard....but can't we dream a little before Alberto eats away at you 19 secs!!!!
subtractabayour - July 8, 2009 01:16 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Elche @ Jul 7 2009, 07:33 AM) |
The tour is living up to the hype this year.
Now today will come the fallout of a potentially explosive situation created by yesterday's finish.
Contador the leader, dropped by members of his team allowing Lance to not only escape with the leading pack but put 40 seconds on Contador.
Was Alberto asleep? It seems impossible that Astana allow this to happen. It seems impossible that Alberto didn't anticipate the break away. It showed Armstrongs class and experience.
What a stage, normally the sprints are dull, but this was quite brilliant.
So to the fallout..What will Contador say this morning? The Spanish media have a new Ron Denis, they are attacking Astana's Manager with everything they have this morning...blaming him, Lance and the others but of course not pointing blame at Alberto for just being shite yesterday.
Great theatre...Lance won't win the Tour but he'll sure make it one to remember.
I expect Contador to come back incredibly strong and motivated not...he'll be foaming at the mouth. |
Nah - Lance has always made a habit of being there at the crucial times - and was the same on Monday. Contador just doesn't have the same experience - and its not as though Astana were the only team to be caught napping. Put it down to team Colombia's excellent opportunism, and Lance Armstrong's canniness.
Contador will pull it back in the mountains - unless Armstrong is doped as well as hyper motivated.
...and I'm not sure that team Saxobank's performance in the last pasrt of the time trial has been applauded enough, with all the attention given to Armstrong's narrow failure to wear yellow.