Official thread - TdF Stage 4: Team Time Trial (Montpellier - Montpellier 38 km)

[180mmCrank]

Am I the only person who regrets the return of the TTT? In my mind it amounts to a time bonus for riders who don't need one: riders on weak teams are already at a big disadvantage in the "real" stages, and then adding an extra event that penalizes them 1 or 2 or 3 minutes basically takes them out of the game entirely. It should always be possible for a rider on a weak team to win the Tour, and the TTT more or less makes that impossible. Lemond only won the 89 Tour because his special tri-bars effectively balanced out ADR's weak ride in the TTT.

Yes - it always feels a bit that way. I guess it makes for good TV and I imagine the sponsors like the way it gives them a big chunk of exposure.

 

[ak-zaaf]

First time check at Grabels (10km)

1. Caisse d'Epargne 12.35
2. Team Katusha .09
3. Cervélo TestTeam .29

that's pretty bad.

 

[39*23t]

Wegman off must be paying for yesterday

 

[180mmCrank]

It will be interesting to see the dynamic between AC and LA as they roll down the ramp today...

 

[Parrot23]

On Cervelo down at first check:

So both Evans and Sastre are gonna have to attack Pharmstrong. Should be good.

 

[clydesdale]

Am I the only person who regrets the return of the TTT? In my mind it amounts to a time bonus for riders who don't need one: riders on weak teams are already at a big disadvantage in the "real" stages, and then adding an extra event that penalizes them 1 or 2 or 3 minutes basically takes them out of the game entirely. It should always be possible for a rider on a weak team to win the Tour, and the TTT more or less makes that impossible. Lemond only won the 89 Tour because his special tri-bars effectively balanced out ADR's weak ride in the TTT.

I've never liked it. While I like the team aspect most of the time (chasing down breaks, ect), the Team Time Trial is too much of a team effort in what I have always felt should be an individual sport (laugh at me for my naiveté all you want) . It's a shame that someone's tour will be all but over today because of a week team.

 

[luckyboy]

First time check at Grabels (10km)

1. Caisse d'Epargne 12.35
2. Team Katusha .09
3. Cervélo TestTeam .29

that's pretty bad.

22 secs down at the second checkpoint

 

[jaylew]

Am I the only person who regrets the return of the TTT? In my mind it amounts to a time bonus for riders who don't need one: riders on weak teams are already at a big disadvantage in the "real" stages, and then adding an extra event that penalizes them 1 or 2 or 3 minutes basically takes them out of the game entirely. It should always be possible for a rider on a weak team to win the Tour, and the TTT more or less makes that impossible. Lemond only won the 89 Tour because his special tri-bars effectively balanced out ADR's weak ride in the TTT.

I agree. I love watching the TTT, but I really dislike it from a sporting standpoint. I agree with you - it's like a double penalty if you don't have a strong team. If you must have it, at least keep it short so the time gaps aren' too large. I mean, we could very well be down to just a few contenders after this stage and they could almost all be on one team.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Milram 1 minute down at first check.

 

[Mellow Velo]

This course is making a joke of the GC.
A big mistake.

 

[Cobblestones]

Cofidis going now.

 

[sometriguy]

This course is making a joke of the GC.
A big mistake.

The media will cover it as a decisive day and not a sham as long as Lance doesn't have any problems. If there is a disaster for Lance, the **** will hit the fan

 

[clydesdale]

This is my first time listening to Eurosport and I really like these guys. I'm gonna start pushing Rogers to include it in the cable package! These announcers are a nice change, that's for sure.

 

[Cobblestones]

Terpstra also off the back. Milram down to 7?

 

[39*23t]

Milram down to six

 

[39*23t]

Badger Bend strikes again

 

[Cobblestones]

Agritubel about 3' down on Katusha, and a Cofidis rider overshooting 'badger's corner'
ETA I think it was 125 Fernandez

 

[luckyboy]

Was that Liquigas 12 secs down at the first check?

 

[Ziptie]

This is my first time listening to Eurosport and I really like these guys... These announcers are a nice change, that's for sure.

+1. I've listened to them many times before. They are a nice change.

 

[jaylew]

its a team sport... any tour contender is only as strong as his team, be it in a TT or in the mountains.. just different ways of depending on them.,.

For TV and the Spectators on the road, theyre great.. i love em..

But you already pay for having a weak team during the regular stages. Do we really need to add another stage which exacerbates the situation?

I agree, though, they're a blast to watch.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Was that Liquigas 12 secs down at the first check?

Yes it was

 

[Mellow Velo]

Bingen Fernandez from Cofidis is the latest victim.

 

[Amsterhammer]

Correction - not Hupond but Rooijakkers taken to hospital.

 

[TRDean]

Any updates on Hupond would be greatly appreciated!! I hope he is OK.

Thanks

 

[Cobblestones]

Looks like Milram down to 6, but can't see who else was dropped.