2011 Tour De France Stage 17 (20/7/2011): Gap > Pinerolo, 179km

[Bumeington]

I can't believe how terrible this Tour is.

The Pyrenees were a huge letdown. We're in the second day in the Alps and they select climbs like these, with a finish after a technical descent.

The most exciting moment of the Tour so far was yesterday's last hill and treacherous decent.

At least the next three days should be good, but this race says volumes about the lack of imagination the race organizers have. And given the lessons the Giro and Vuelta have provided, it makes me wonder if theirs is pure insolence?

It's not actually. They would either have to go all the way round to do it the same way as the giro, or have a descent which is half dirt roads - what would Andy say?

 

[alberto.legstrong]

i am going back to work

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Gap 1'04

So they still have to ride back to Perez on the climb and the downhill is technical... they have to catch and pass him on the climb. Except Hagen, he can do a good downhill as well.

 

[Carl0880]

Nope. He looks that way all the time, fast, slow, descending, climbing - like he owns the jersey and plans to keep it. Agree about the dream, though. But when the attacks do come, I think (hope) they'll be decisive.

How much you think Europcar and Bernandeau (Sp?) appreciate Voeckler willing to wait till the last minute for the sponsorship to come through last year when he had several offers to go elsewhere. With his wins this year and his run in this TDF, he just triple the investment they have easily.

 

[Parrulo]

only 4k to the climb starts.

they won't close the gap on the flat and i don't think they can do it on the climb. maybe on the descent . . . . but i am cheering for the carrot

 

[GroupDK]

Garmin just stated (from a live video kamera in there front car) that they have taken the front due to the team contest and also there man in top 10.

 

[Mellow Velo]

This stage is like Pau or Briancon, with an exciting bit (hopefully) tagged on the end.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

only 4k to the climb starts.

they won't close the gap on the flat and i don't think they can do it on the climb. maybe on the descent . . . . but i am cheering for the carrot

Then they really tactically failed in the break. It's not that Casar, Chavanel, Mollema can't go faster than they did on the climb. They are just waiting for the last climb.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

55 seconds for Moreno. He will have between 40-55 seconds on the foot of the climb.

 

[sulgpallur]

I hope perez can hang on, nice solo

 

[AussieGoddess]

Gap coming down a bit now

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Thor back at the cars picking up the bottles!

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

42 seconds. Moreno is collapsing.

 

[Parrulo]

Then they really tactically failed in the break. It's not that Casar, Chavanel, Mollema can't go faster than they did on the climb. They are just waiting for the last climb.

indeed.

nice roundabout action . . .

 

[El Pistolero]

Aah, I had a nice little siesta. Nothing happened while I was a sleep I guess

 

[Dedelou]

Gap coming down a bit now

yes finally to "peloton" is waking up slowly

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Climb starts, here we go.

 

[Parrulo]

perez already on the climb

 

[Dedelou]

Perez starting to suffer .. will he stay ahead on the climb? looks bad for him now

 

[Maxiton]

Come to think of it .. He has spent almost 17 days in Yellow if you add the last time. Has anybody in this year's tour worn the jersey more than that?

Yeah, I hadn't realized Cancellara was the record holder at 21. Still, 17 days is impressive. At this point the maillot jaune must seem like an old friend.

How much you think Europcar and Bernandeau (Sp?) appreciate Voeckler willing to wait till the last minute for the sponsorship to come through last year when he had several offers to go elsewhere. With his wins this year and his run in this TDF, he just triple the investment they have easily.

Agreed. I've been entertaining an elaborate, back-room conspiracy theory about this involving Sarkozy, ASO, UCI, and LA. But only half-serious.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

perez already on the climb

He only has 35 seconds left. If he pulls this off he is a great hero!

 

[Bala Verde]

Waiting for Chavanel to attack.

 

[Parrulo]

Perez starting to suffer .. will he stay ahead on the climb? looks bad for him now

indeed. doesn't look like he managed his energy very well . . .

 

[Dedelou]

break exploding while the Peleton is pushing the speed

 

[Jamsque]

Leopard wanting to fight back today.