Recent content by PinchFlat

I would bring your own bike. Why spend so much to travel to the alps and then risk a bad experience either not being able to find a bike to rent or getting one that doen't feel right. I know it is expensive to bring a bike on the plane now-a-days but renting isn't free either.

I've seen so many people here biking to a crit with a helmet strapped to their backpack that the irony has worn off. Helmets will eventually become more commonplace -it's just taking longer than other countrys. Over the last few years the norm has finally been changing for kids to wear helmets.

well it's cool that he got the nickname from a rider in the peloton (even if he didn't consider it a compliment) and not someone like his brother. I still haven't found an interview about the salute being for his girlfriend but that is in line with everything I have found about him so I'll...

In this photo he does the spread eagle (as previously discussed) but does the pistol salute later on the podium as Gatete explained. I've googled this quite a bit in both english and in spanish and I can't find a solid answer. I'm really shocked that some of the Alberto fan's don't know the...

In this hypothetical situation are we assuming the rider with the best tactical sense would win? I offer Boogerd as an example (who admits himself that he prefered to excercise his legs rather than play tactical games); would he have won more races against competitors who followed tactical...

Good answer. And a respectable reason behind the salute. (It still makes him look like Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore.)

Obviously you have since you've seen races pre 2008. Which brings me back to my question. What is the story behind the pistolero gesture? Did he just make it up himself (like Ricco with the cobra) or is there something more to it all? (and for the record - I'm Alberto neutral - just hate the...

So people are unintentionally sarcastic. I give credit for that sometimes. Besides.....doesn't Contador do the pistol salute in those stages???

That's pretty good. Maybe your right - the guy can ride (attacks in the mountains, solid TT, holds his own in the Ardennen) so maybe we are just grasping a straws to find a reason not to cheer for AC. Or maybe, just maybe it is because of stage 13 in the '08 vuelta when alberto simutaneously...

That's cool Publicus. Anyone else know where the whole salute thing originated? (edit: Thanks for the starting point Icefire) This thread has pointed toward the country's love affair with Lance for the general perception of AC hatered in America but this salute certainly can't be winning him...

But it's your avatar?:confused: Seriously now. I know this has been done to death in forums with the whole shooter McGavin comparison (still funny as hell by the way!!!!:D) but what does it really mean. Why is he called the Pistolero de Pinto (and yes I get the Pinto part). And what is with...

I'm an american and that stupid hand gesture prevents me from being able to back Contador. It was almost cool the first time but quickly achieved dork status. "Heeeee Haw! Get out those six shooters boys!" Will you find out who and let me know? - maybe then I can finally enjoy an AC win.

At about the 2km mark I'm pretty sure I saw multiple spectators throwing objects on the road just as the peloton came past. Then someone threw what looked like a bunch of flowers into the peloton. My first time seeing coverage of this Tour and it can happen anywhere but I'm curious- is this an...

Exactly! I've always perceived Friere to be a team-player. Another reason why - YES - he should go to the tour.