2013 Tour of California: Stage 7: Livermore-Mt. Diablo (146 km)

[kukiniloa]

Well it looks like A Schleck is back, but beyond that
this is a much improved TOC, with some interesting racing, despite some questionable route decisions.

Previous years have all seemed pretty dull, with repetitive sprints and final climbs that didn't create splits. It seemed that the riders were training and didn't care that much. This year, perhaps it comes down to prize money??? I don't know, but it feels like a top tier race now...

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

commentator thinking Traksel attacked,... LOL

 

[Pentacycle]

commentator thinking Traksel attacked,... LOL

Also mistaking Morton for Dennis.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

somebody just fell uphill

 

[Afrank]

somebody just fell uphill

Mannion, slipped off the road.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

somebody just fell uphill

Menchov in the race?

 

[Cyivel]

Watching eurovision, where is Andy?

 

[Afrank]

Watching eurovision, where is Andy?

In a group of 5, 55 seconds back of Westra and De La Cruz.

 

[TheRossSeaParty]

The difference in racing level between the ProTour and the US continental squads is astounding. Not really a lot of competition going on in the GC battle. Still looks like a vacation/training race for most of the European teams.

 

[Cyivel]

In a group of 5, 55 seconds back of Westra and De La Cruz.

Cheers

....

 

[Dazed and Confused]

30-40 left in the peloton

 

[Afrank]

Caught by the pack, oh well. It was a good performance by Andy. His form is getting better.

 

[Fearless Greg Lemond]

Seems Vacansoleil are going to peak for the Tour. That is a tough goal. Well, when you are in need of a sponsor.

 

[Pentacycle]

Jens!!

10char

 

[Afrank]

Jens!
10 chars

 

[doperhopper]

Jens!!!

41 years!

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Caught by the pack, oh well. It was a good performance by Andy. His form is getting better.

Voigt showing Schleck how things are done outside the tour.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Well it looks like A Schleck is back, but beyond that
this is a much improved TOC, with some interesting racing, despite some questionable route decisions.

Previous years have all seemed pretty dull, with repetitive sprints and final climbs that didn't create splits. It seemed that the riders were training and didn't care that much. This year, perhaps it comes down to prize money??? I don't know, but it feels like a top tier race now...

The field is a bit weaker, meaning that you have people for whom it would be a big mark on their palmarès entering, as well as the national teams being able to provide something competitive and enlivening the race.

In addition to this, while there have been a few examples of the old problem - top level pros turning up, but just sitting in the péloton and being picked up by the cameras, not having any intention of making a difference - the horrendous heat in the first two days weeded out the tourists from those arriving with the intention of making the race, and has left us with a péloton distilled down to those who actually care about it, which makes it look more important to the riders, and therefore makes it seem more worthy to the fans.

 

[Afrank]

Now Mancebo going. Has passed Voigt.

Gap to Westra and De La Cruz is down to 40 seconds. And BMC keeps the pace high on the front. About to catch Jens.

 

[will10]

Paco is hunting.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Mancebo, long range

Acevedo come on......

 

[T-Nielsen]

Denmark just won Eurovision... all that money.

Mancebo looks like an Escartin clone. Just shorter.

 

[Afrank]

Mancebo catches and passes Westra and De la Cruz.

 

[Cyivel]

Winning move.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Acevedo goes again