2011 Tour de France, Stage 12: Cugnaux - Luz-Ardiden, 209 km

[Publicus]

There's a nice fact. And let's keep it that way. Maybe he can retire as second best, having never won.

This is his best chance. If he fails to win under these circumstances, I would recommend he focus on races other than the Tour for awhile.

 

[b.broadhurst]

If Andy wants to show that this tour is his to win then he needs to win todays stage, massive psychological advantage!!

 

[Maxiton]

Voeckler on the yellow bike. Lol. Overdoing it a bit.

 

[Ramira]

He's touted as second best and he has been second. I fail to see how that is poor.

It's poor in the fact that Andy has never been on good enough form to win (or even podium) in any of the one week races. A rider of his potential should be able to win at least one of those every year (and that's coming from one of the few AS fans on this forum).

 

[Ramira]

If Andy wants to show that this tour is his to win then he needs to win todays stage, massive psychological advantage!!

All he needs to do is drop Evans and not lose time to AC. He truly believes (and based on last year's tour I have to agree with him) that he needs only about 60 seconds on AC to win this thing. If he drops everyone but AC and doesn't lose time he'll do an excellent job towards winning the TDF.

 

[Ramira]

Voeckler on the yellow bike. Lol. Overdoing it a bit.

Nah it's Voeckler on Bastille Day, if anything he's underdoing it he hasn't even painted himself yellow yet

 

[The Hitch]

Hoogerland has the thousand yard stare.

 

[Maxiton]

Unless a new super talent arrives (I guess maybe TVG there's no-one else who's talent/age right now indicates he could be as good as AS) he's going to win a few TDF's before it's over. AC is going to be past his peak by the time AS hits his best years (28-32). That being said I think last year's AS wasn't the best he has to offer and he will start his winning streak this year.

Could be.

Second best at the end of this race may (and should) be first place depending on who he finishes behind.

Good point.

This is his best chance. If he fails to win under these circumstances, I would recommend he focus on races other than the Tour for awhile.

Yep. S_t small races.

It's poor in the fact that Andy has never been on good enough form to win (or even podium) in any of the one week races. A rider of his potential should be able to win at least one of those every year (and that's coming from one of the few AS fans on this forum).

Well said.

 

[ManInFull]

If Ratface Schleck is really as good as he keeps whining in his interviews he should take this stage under control and go for the win.

+1

Please God...Anybody but Schleck.

 

[b.broadhurst]

All he needs to do is drop Evans and not lose time to AC. He truly believes (and based on last year's tour I have to agree with him) that he needs only about 60 seconds on AC to win this thing. If he drops everyone but AC and doesn't lose time he'll do an excellent job towards winning the TDF.

I feel that he needs to put time into AC now, his knee is sore and his team is tired. He would be worried that his knee gets better and then finds his form in the Alps. Also his TT seems a worry after how little he did in the TTT, has it gone backwards?

 

[Woody22]

This is his best chance. If he fails to win under these circumstances, I would recommend he focus on races other than the Tour for awhile.

Spot on! There can be no excuses this time. If he simply can't match them this year then focus on the classics and one week stage races which seem to suit his characteristics the best.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Voeckler on the yellow bike. Lol. Overdoing it a bit.

and hoogerland with his polka dot bike?

it's pathetic on this forum, when cipo showed up in colored bikes and outfits he was the emperor, but voeckler is hated despite showing mire agression than the rest of the peloton

 

[Publicus]

He's touted as second best and he has been second. I fail to see how that is poor.

How do his palmares measure up against the guy considered the best stage racer? Or guys like Nibbles or Evans that aren't even included in the discussion?

He has to break through and win this year (and really, this is his race to lose at this point), or he's going to be a perpetual also ran.

EDIT: Just trying to put his palmares in perspective. I think he is an immense talent, but I'm not sure if he is focused/serious enough to win consistently. Not yet at least.

 

[b.broadhurst]

I'm making a massive call now....but AS outside top 3 this year!! I'm sorry Schleck fans!!

 

[Spaniard]

He's touted as second best and he has been second. I fail to see how that is poor.

Well there are many stage races where he has enter and Contador hasn't,so he shouldn't be second in those races or at least in some of those races.

 

[Maxiton]

and hoogerland with his polka dot bike?

it's pathetic on this forum, when cipo showed up in colored bikes and outfits he was the emperor, but voeckler is hated despite showing mire agression than the rest of the peloton

I dunno, I think they should stick to jersey tops only, at least until they've established a firm hold on the position.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

and hoogerland with his polka dot bike?

it's pathetic on this forum, when cipo showed up in colored bikes and outfits he was the emperor, but voeckler is hated despite showing mire agression than the rest of the peloton

not sure this forum existed back then

but yeah, who cares what they wear or the color of the bike.
How they ride is what is important. Tommy V is a champ, and ryo I'm pretty sure the majority of the forum like him a lot.

 

[Ramira]

I feel that he needs to put time into AC now, his knee is sore and his team is tired. He would be worried that his knee gets better and then finds his form in the Alps. Also his TT seems a worry after how little he did in the TTT, has it gone backwards?

His form at the start of this tour was shocking, it has very little to do with his TT skill. Remember he lost over a minute (and 41 seconds to AC) in the prologue last year and by the first mountains he was up there. The fact that the first mountains are so late greatly favour Andy. He reminds me a lot of Ullrich in this aspect he also needed the tour to get into his top form. I have very little doubt Andy will be just fine today and I would put good money on the fact that if AC doesn't take any time back on him in the mountains AS will win the tour.

 

[sultanofhyd]

I'm making a massive call now....but AS outside top 3 this year!! I'm sorry Schleck fans!!

How I hope that is true.

 

[b.broadhurst]

8 minute lead now and 30km until intermediate sprint!!

 

[sublimit]

and hoogerland with his polka dot bike?

it's pathetic on this forum, when cipo showed up in colored bikes and outfits he was the emperor, but voeckler is hated despite showing mire agression than the rest of the peloton

Cipo could carry it off, I'm not sure about Voekler because of his lack of style and the fact that he's annoying.

 

[Ramira]

I'm making a massive call now....but AS outside top 3 this year!! I'm sorry Schleck fans!!

Wanna put some money on that? I could use some holiday cash

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

I'm making a massive call now....but AS outside top 3 this year!! I'm sorry Schleck fans!!

no need to be sorry (i'm not a fan btw) as you are going to be wrong barring any injury or crash.

 

[b.broadhurst]

How I hope that is true.

Sanchez Basso Contador = My Top 3

 

[virandociclista]

How I hope that is true.

Me too...

Today is the begginer or the end of my tour!! Please.. someone put time in the schlecks!!!!