I cannot watch the Tour anymore

[Libertine Seguros]

If you think I'm being élitist, then fair enough, you're probably right.

But who are you to tell me that I'm (or anybody else eg BroDeal since this is their thread is) being ridiculous to be disillusioned by the sport, when all the progress I thought was being made is shown up to be smoke and mirrors? Cycling has not been exciting me this year like it used to, and displays like these are the icing on the cake. I wouldn't blame long term fans for walking away.

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

I watched Armstrong's first Tour, and then that was it until a few years ago. It got exciting for a bit, but know I'm getting that old familiar feeling.

It's tough to watch when, as a fan, you're treated like some *** couch potato.

We'll see how far I make it this year, and if I'll have to take another sabbatical from La Grande Boucle...

 

[gingerwallaceafro]

If you think I'm being élitist, then fair enough, you're probably right.

But who are you to tell me that I'm (or anybody else eg BroDeal since this is their thread is) being ridiculous to be disillusioned by the sport, when all the progress I thought was being made is shown up to be smoke and mirrors? Cycling has not been exciting me this year like it used to, and displays like these are the icing on the cake. I wouldn't blame long term fans for walking away.

No juiced up Bertie or Schleck?

I just question the timing of it Libertine. A Sky domination was always on the cards, Vuelta last year, Algarve, Paris - Nice, Romandy, Dauphine, it's not exactly a surprise that Sky are so much better is it? Wiggins TTing has been the best this year, Cancellara has been injured, his prologue victory was on a course suited to him. The other contenders have been substandard for a variety of reasons, Sky are a better team. Marginal gains and all that. A bit better in every dept.

I believe that Sky are doing things in the correct way and doing all they can to win legally and fairly, within the rules. Howabout giving them some credit instead of acting like drama queens?

Your morals seem to be that it's really great and exciting when doped riders make it a spectacle, but should a team profess to be clean and win in a boring way then they are at fault. All a bit screwy for me..

 

[Maxiton]

No juiced up Bertie or Schleck?

I just question the timing of it Libertine. A Sky domination was always on the cards, Vuelta last year, Algarve, Paris - Nice, Romandy, Dauphine, it's not exactly a surprise that Sky are so much better is it? Wiggins TTing has been the best this year, Cancellara has been injured, his prologue victory was on a course suited to him. The other contenders have been substandard for a variety of reasons, Sky are a better team. Marginal gains and all that. A bit better in every dept.

I believe that Sky are doing things in the correct way and doing all they can to win legally and fairly, within the rules. Howabout giving them some credit instead of acting like drama queens?

Your morals seem to be that it's really great and exciting when doped riders make it a spectacle, but should a team profess to be clean and win in a boring way then they are at fault. All a bit screwy for me..

Honestly, you can't have watched very much bike racing if that's your view. Sorry to say it. For those with any real familiarity with the sport (and Libertine is easily the most expert commentator on the sport I've read, bar none), these performances we're seeing from Sky aren't merely suspect, highly, but so far outside the realm of probability relative to their rivals, that they undermine what legitimacy the sport has been able to retain.

There will always be people new to the sport, the young, the naive, and the gullible, who will accept any performance as legitimate and celebrate the victory of their national heroes. But ultimately a sport is only as good as its fans. And its fans are only as good as the sport will allow them to be. Right now, pro cycling is lowering the ceiling by an order of magnitude.

 

[BroDeal]

This most poignant and crucial life changing, catalystic moment could have occurred after any number of moments from cycling's past (choose from any number, really.. Cobo in the vuelta etc) But it happens to come after 'Wigans' has a) Shoved the likes of BroDeals words down his throat during an interview and b) Proved that he is the top dog right now, barring a miracle.

I can see why BroDeal wouldn't want to watch the Tour anymore when someone he really doesn't want to win, from a team he doesn't like is on course to make him look stupid. Remember all those donkey pictures etc? Hilarious!

Familiar with the phrase 'Throwing his toys out of the pram'?

You forgot to use the national dialect and call me a f*cking c*nt or a w*nker.

 

[BroDeal]

No juiced up Bertie or Schleck?

I just question the timing of it Libertine. A Sky domination was always on the cards, Vuelta last year, Algarve, Paris - Nice, Romandy, Dauphine, it's not exactly a surprise that Sky are so much better is it? Wiggins TTing has been the best this year, Cancellara has been injured, his prologue victory was on a course suited to him. The other contenders have been substandard for a variety of reasons, Sky are a better team. Marginal gains and all that. A bit better in every dept.

I believe that Sky are doing things in the correct way and doing all they can to win legally and fairly, within the rules. Howabout giving them some credit instead of acting like drama queens?

Your morals seem to be that it's really great and exciting when doped riders make it a spectacle, but should a team profess to be clean and win in a boring way then they are at fault. All a bit screwy for me..

You got anything to say other that does not involve attacking other posters?

 

[Mount Megiddo]

Interesting take from Blazing Saddles.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/blazin-saddles/froome-enough-both-us-075747723.html#more-id

 

[BroDeal]

I think it is for me. I'm at the point where a few of my older cycling friends are. They're no longer really following pro cycling closely, they're immersed in their own cycling activities.

Although, the French gendarmes could make the sun come out with a Festina style bit of news.

Wow! Just wow. When hardcore Armstrong true believers have had enough then you know it's bad. Wow.

 

[blackcat]

You forgot to use the national dialect and call me a f*cking c*nt or a w*nker.

add a sprinlking of bo!!ocks

 

[MarkvW]

Honestly, you can't have watched very much bike racing if that's your view. Sorry to say it. For those with any real familiarity with the sport (and Libertine is easily the most expert commentator on the sport I've read, bar none), these performances we're seeing from Sky aren't merely suspect, highly, but so far outside the realm of probability relative to their rivals, that they undermine what legitimacy the sport has been able to retain.

There will always be people new to the sport, the young, the naive, and the gullible, who will accept any performance as legitimate and celebrate the victory of their national heroes. But ultimately a sport is only as good as its fans. And its fans are only as good as the sport will allow them to be. Right now, pro cycling is lowering the ceiling by an order of magnitude.

Wiggins is going postal!

 

[BroDeal]

add a sprinlking of bo!!ocks

Is ******** censored here?

EDIT: Yup. Lame.

 

[blackcat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtjx-yplqTw&t=2m10s

 

[gingerwallaceafro]

You forgot to use the national dialect and call me a f*cking c*nt or a w*nker.

Drama queen suits you better..

 

[BroDeal]

Drama queen suits you better..

There seem to be a lot of people that feel the same way about the Tour. Perhaps you could go through the thread and insult each of them.

 

[gingerwallaceafro]

these performances we're seeing from Sky aren't merely suspect, highly, but so far outside the realm of probability relative to their rivals, that they undermine what legitimacy the sport has been able to retain.

Sky are on another level that's for sure, they are definitely stronger than their rivals. Why some feel the need to start throwing mud, I question and also the timing of it - they've obviously been the strongest team for a long time but when it finally comes round to the possibility that they may win the Tour it's sabotage time.

The relativity to their rivals is an interesting one. It's been a year of generally substandard performances, a lot of riders not performing to their best. Stage 7 for example, VDB, Vanendert, Scarponi, Kloden, Voeckler, Valverde, Gesink, Basso, Van Garderen and Horner all finishing behind Fabian Cancellara but no one says Cancellara's a doper, nor in my opinion should they.

Wiggins TTing has progressed steadily in comparison to his rivals, let's not forget his silver medal at the Worlds, since then he's got the better of Martin and on the straighter part of the prologue it was clear that he was slightly faster than Cancellara.

Rogers at nearly 10 mins down and Porte at 32 mins down I don't think is anything particularly remarkable. I actually put money on Porte getting a top 5.. (it was 80-1)

 

[MarkvW]

Sky are on another level that's for sure, they are definitely stronger than their rivals. Why some feel the need to start throwing mud, I question and also the timing of it - they've obviously been the strongest team for a long time but when it finally comes round to the possibility that they may win the Tour it's sabotage time.

The relativity to their rivals is an interesting one. It's been a year of generally substandard performances, a lot of riders not performing to their best. Stage 7 for example, VDB, Vanendert, Scarponi, Kloden, Voeckler, Valverde, Gesink, Basso, Van Garderen and Horner all finishing behind Fabian Cancellara but no one says Cancellara's a doper, nor in my opinion should they.

Wiggins TTing has progressed steadily in comparison to his rivals, let's not forget his silver medal at the Worlds, since then he's got the better of Martin and on the straighter part of the prologue it was clear that he was slightly faster than Cancellara.

Rogers at nearly 10 mins down and Porte at 32 mins down I don't think is anything particularly remarkable. I actually put money on Porte getting a top 5.. (it was 80-1)

I agree! They're fabulous and awesome. Totally reminiscent of the Blue Train.

 

[Maxiton]

Sky are on another level that's for sure, they are definitely stronger than their rivals. Why some feel the need to start throwing mud, I question and also the timing of it - they've obviously been the strongest team for a long time but when it finally comes round to the possibility that they may win the Tour it's sabotage time.

The relativity to their rivals is an interesting one. It's been a year of generally substandard performances, a lot of riders not performing to their best. Stage 7 for example, VDB, Vanendert, Scarponi, Kloden, Voeckler, Valverde, Gesink, Basso, Van Garderen and Horner all finishing behind Fabian Cancellara but no one says Cancellara's a doper, nor in my opinion should they.

Wiggins TTing has progressed steadily in comparison to his rivals, let's not forget his silver medal at the Worlds, since then he's got the better of Martin and on the straighter part of the prologue it was clear that he was slightly faster than Cancellara.

Rogers at nearly 10 mins down and Porte at 32 mins down I don't think is anything particularly remarkable. I actually put money on Porte getting a top 5.. (it was 80-1)

That the best you can do? Hit reset.

 

[gingerwallaceafro]

That the best you can do? Hit reset.

Lol!

Is that all you're offering?

 

[sashimono]

I think it is for me. I'm at the point where a few of my older cycling friends are. They're no longer really following pro cycling closely, they're immersed in their own cycling activities...

Same here. Used to get up at 3am to watch Lance on OLN. Now I just occasionally follow doping news.

Honestly the only thing I like about pro cycling is the technology that trickles down -- which has vastly improved the bikes, clothing, and the whole experience of riding.

 

[blaxland]

I hear you Bro"i guess its something as supporters of this sport we are becoming used too.Dont know if i would stop watching,but this tour is pushing my limits.Sad day for cycling"

 

[andy1234]

There seem to be a lot of people that feel the same way about the Tour. Perhaps you could go through the thread and insult each of them.

You need to look at this more positively buddy.
If Sky are found to be doping, it may take some of the focus off the cesspool that is American cycling.

If the good old US of A couldn't win clean, there's no way any other country can.

Cross your fingers .....

 

[UlleGigo]

Funny that long time cycling fans are being criticised by Sky bandwagon jumpers for being fickle.

I will never stop watching cycling fwiw. I watched through every one of LA's victories this couldn't be any worse.

 

[ianfra]

joke farce crooked phony scam charade con flim-flam hoax fraud sham racket hustle absurd mockery bamboozle swindle deception cheat shady ruse hornswoggle trick hoodwink humbug rip off rook chisel

You obviously do not love this sport. Here we have clean riders riding a great race and you come out with your banal post!

 

[Zam_Olyas]

You obviously do not love this sport. Here we have clean riders riding a great race and you come out with your banal post!

With all due respect how are you so very sure that froome and rogers are clean?

 

[gingerwallaceafro]

Funny that long time cycling fans are being criticised by Sky bandwagon jumpers for being fickle.

I will never stop watching cycling fwiw. I watched through every one of LA's victories this couldn't be any worse.

Is that how it looks? I consider myself a long time cycling fan and I appreciate Sky's consideration, effort and application. Asking a provocative question to Brad is only really going to get the kind of response it got at that time. It really seems that since he started getting any noise made about him in the media a few years ago he's been studiously and deliberately misunderstood by people on here who choose not to like/get him.

I consider Froome's progress to be amazing, but until there's any whiff of good evidence against these lads I think they should be credited not assassinated.

It seems that everythings fine when Bertie is wiggling his **** up the mountain leaving everyone in his wake, but when 'Wigans' is at the top of the pile through unspectacular means (grinding down the opposition and using teamwork rather than leaping away with EPO fuelled panache), people are crying foul/spitting the dummy/throwing toys out of prams/****ing their knickers etc.. All a bit strange to me.