Official thread- TDF Stage 7 Barcelone - Andorre Arcalis 224km

[whiteboytrash]

Graham Watson (photographer on the bike) said: "Leipheimer and Armstrong look a little fried now..."

Sure look it, but I don't know, because Watson is notoriously inaccurate in his assessments of people's form despite being right there.

http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/updateframesetcall?openform&09tdfSt7http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/updateframesetcall?openform&09tdfSt7

Watson is a fraud and is a paid employee of Astana. He's their official photographer. Thats why 99% of his photos are of that team and all his books are based on ****strong.

http://www.astana-cyclingteam.com/BehindTheLens_overview.html

 

[dadoorsron]

Graham Watson (photographer on the bike) said: "Leipheimer and Armstrong look a little fried now..."

Sure look it, but I don't know, because Watson is notoriously inaccurate in his assessments of people's form despite being right there.

http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/updateframesetcall?openform&09tdfSt7http://grahamwatson.com/gw/imagedocs.nsf/updateframesetcall?openform&09tdfSt7

Watson is probably ****ed that he is not Armstrongs personal photographer anymore. Yeah, that picture just shows two guys working after 6 hours in a bike race. The Fried riders were a few minutes down the mountian.

 

[dadoorsron]

Watson is a fraud and is a paid employee of Astana. He's their official photographer. Thats why 99% of his photos are of that team and all his books are based on ****strong.

Lisa Kruetz is astans offical photographer and Lances personal Photographer.

 

[chairvelo]

Funny, except for a couple of brave souls, all of the fanboys waited until AFTER the race to come comment. I guess everyone has to come make an excuse?

I posted that I stood to win almost $2600 dollars if/when Armstong wins the GC. I backed him at an average of about 7:1. I will be buying a Cervelo RS frameset from the proceeds if he wins.

Now: my money is firmly where my mouth is; how many slating Armstrong here have that kind of cash on Contador?

I think, when I watch the video of the Contador move, that Armstrong was slightly surprised. His comments post-race indicate this was not a planned move by the team. Someone took a shot.

I think, based on what I saw, that Armstrong did not respond to the attack from Contador, not because he could not - in fact a few moment before he responded rapidly in cadence and power to an attack by Evans and Schleck - but for another reason - race ethics.

I think, if you take a balanced view, you will find that a 37 year-old back after 3 years off from pro competition just controlled the vast majority of his competitors from the front and is still only 2 secs off his most serious competitor (and team mate) in the GC.

I think someone today displayed strength of body but weakness of mind, and I do not think it was Armstrong. If this move was not part of the team plan, Contador has placed himself in a weaker position by needing to appear to be strong.

These are my thoughts, my opinions. They lead me to believe that my money is quite safe.

I wonder however if those crowing today are talking cheap...

Chairvelo.

 

[Parrot23]

Watson is probably ****ed that he is not Armstrongs personal photographer anymore.

That makes sense.

I don't trust Watson's views, but pics here are better than on CN (quality of pics on CN never that good, and fewer than before).

Didn't Watson's motorcyle and Lance collide during Tour of California, LOL?

 

[whiteboytrash]

Lisa Kruetz is astans offical photographer and Lances personal Photographer.

No Watson is. Lance has his own personal everything. I said Astana not Lance.

Why do you waste my time ? You know I'm right. Link below:

http://www.astana-cyclingteam.com/news_press/graham_watson_joins_astana_cycling_team.html

Jan 15, 2008 - The Astana Cycling Team is pleased to announce that veteran cycling photographer Graham Watson will serve as official team photographer throughout the upcoming season. With a rich history and knowledge of all things cycling, Watson brings his expertise to the team covering all the major races starting with the Tour Down Under next week in Australia, moving on to the Tour of California and all the European Classics, plus the all-important Grand Tours. Astana is proud to team up with Watson and his perfectly captured images of the sport of professional cycling.

"I'm really excited to be working as the official photographer of the Astana Cycling Team in 2008 - the team has so much scope and potential, I can't wait for the races to begin!" exclaimed Watson. "The new team has an awful lot to prove, both to itself, its sponsors and the fans," he continued, "and I want to make sure my photography goes at least some way to helping Astana achieve its goals. With so many cyclists on-board and a packed schedule of races that take place all over the world, I'll be busy trying to capture the best of the action, as well as the beauty of the team and the sport - it's a great challenge, and I'm proud to be a part of it!"

 

[Bala Verde]

That's certainly a very plausible analysis. And while I'm sure you are only trying to emphasis your point, I wouldn't ...at this point of the Tour, call 20 seconds whopping. It's really not that much considering this is only the first mountain stage and you have several more to go including another Time Trial to boot.

Well I called it a whopping 20s because given the fact that Sastre went 2 times full out on mountain stages in the Giro, from way further down than the mentioned 2k (perhaps closer to an attack 5-6K before the finish line) he 'only' gained 30s per attempt. Compared to those results, I think 20s today in 2k is quite whopping. But I could be wrong.

The question is how costly it was. The fact that the grade lessened over the last 2k made it less costly, but I wouldn't say an attack like that was almost effortless. 2k of uphill, even at that grade, after 220k of racing is a lot of effort in order to put the gap in he did.

Perhaps. I can't feel his legs now, so I don't know.

 

[whiteboytrash]

No Watson is. Lance has his own personal everything. I said Astana not Lance.

Why do you waste my time ? You know I'm right. Link below:

http://www.astana-cyclingteam.com/news_press/graham_watson_joins_astana_cycling_team.html

Jan 15, 2008 - The Astana Cycling Team is pleased to announce that veteran cycling photographer Graham Watson will serve as official team photographer throughout the upcoming season. With a rich history and knowledge of all things cycling, Watson brings his expertise to the team covering all the major races starting with the Tour Down Under next week in Australia, moving on to the Tour of California and all the European Classics, plus the all-important Grand Tours. Astana is proud to team up with Watson and his perfectly captured images of the sport of professional cycling.

"I'm really excited to be working as the official photographer of the Astana Cycling Team in 2008 - the team has so much scope and potential, I can't wait for the races to begin!" exclaimed Watson. "The new team has an awful lot to prove, both to itself, its sponsors and the fans," he continued, "and I want to make sure my photography goes at least some way to helping Astana achieve its goals. With so many cyclists on-board and a packed schedule of races that take place all over the world, I'll be busy trying to capture the best of the action, as well as the beauty of the team and the sport - it's a great challenge, and I'm proud to be a part of it!"

Good post WBT. Ok I'm off to bed now.

 

[Parrot23]

Yeah, he is a Lance fanboy (has made his name and career off him). I'm just surprised at his saying Lance and Levi looked fried. Very, very unusual for him to say that (never heard him say that before).

Problem is: Watson is wrong on just about everything when interpreting his own pics, LOL. So we have a nice little conundrum here.

I dunno.

 

[Azdak6]

Perhaps. I can't feel his legs now, so I don't know.

But you know you want to......

 

[Parrot23]

Well I called it a whopping 20s because given the fact that Sastre went 2 times full out on mountain stages in the Giro, from way further down than the mentioned 2k (perhaps closer to an attack 5-6K before the finish line) he 'only' gained 30s per attempt. Compared to those results, I think 20s today in 2k is quite whopping. But I could be wrong.

It was into the wind (with or without some drafting) and on relatively flat section where he should not be able to make a difference. So he's strong. Sour grapes from other riders: no one can hold that wheel when he goes, but maybe they can come back. If he had gone further out, maybe it would have been different.

I did see Lance close a gap to Evans. So he's strong too, in a diesel sort of way.

I think Bertie had to go for first dibs. But the issue is the price to pay with the team. Hard to say. But if he's team leader and the others are riding for Lance, then he should just say "...." you to them, and let his legs then do the talking and find Spanish help on the road. He's put up with A LOT this year.

 

[Bala Verde]

Which proves little as to form and dominance vis a vis the other GC contenders who didn't have the benefit of drafting off the motorcycle.

So he gained an extra 20s over competitors who were already 1m30 to 4m behind, by slyly drafting a while behind a motor while riding in a head wind on one of the 3 mountain top finishes in the Tour de France.

I think the competition is really boasting about their own dominance and form, now they are 1m50 to 4m20 behind.

 

[LugHugger]

a solo ride off the front would get sucked up by the leading group That would be a waste of energy!

sure. but if there is a split like today then the descent is so fast all the way to the line that 2-3 riders could stay away if they have 50-60 seconds over the top.

 

[Parrot23]

Good post WBT. Ok I'm off to bed now.

Hey, hey, Whiteboytrash, I'm the only one allowed to "parrot" my own posts. Squawk, squawk.

 

[Bala Verde]

But you know you want to......

As long as they are shaved

 

[dadoorsron]

sure. but if there is a split like today then the descent is so fast all the way to the line that 2-3 riders could stay away if they have 50-60 seconds over the top.

a 21 second lead going down a mountian in front of a large group like today would be sucked up in 2k the most. a group goes much faster the 2-3 riders.

 

[LugHugger]

a 21 second lead going down a mountian in front of a large group like today would be sucked up in 2k the most. a group goes much faster the 2-3 riders.

i give up

 

[Anonymous]

I posted that I stood to win almost $2600 dollars if/when Armstong wins the GC. I backed him at an average of about 7:1. I will be buying a Cervelo RS frameset from the proceeds if he wins.

Now: my money is firmly where my mouth is; how many slating Armstrong here have that kind of cash on Contador?

I think, when I watch the video of the Contador move, that Armstrong was slightly surprised. His comments post-race indicate this was not a planned move by the team. Someone took a shot.

I think, based on what I saw, that Armstrong did not respond to the attack from Contador, not because he could not - in fact a few moment before he responded rapidly in cadence and power to an attack by Evans and Schleck - but for another reason - race ethics.

I think, if you take a balanced view, you will find that a 37 year-old back after 3 years off from pro competition just controlled the vast majority of his competitors from the front and is still only 2 secs off his most serious competitor (and team mate) in the GC.

I think someone today displayed strength of body but weakness of mind, and I do not think it was Armstrong. If this move was not part of the team plan, Contador has placed himself in a weaker position by needing to appear to be strong.

These are my thoughts, my opinions. They lead me to believe that my money is quite safe.

I wonder however if those crowing today are talking cheap...

Chairvelo.

“A fool and his money are soon parted.” Thomas Tusser

 

[franciep10]

How ignorant is espn, two dickheads, just said that nobody gives a crap about cycling unless lance is racing, I am so glad I have spanish citizenship so I can say I am spanish this shows the ignorance of US sports media. But anyway I was not surprised by LA but he has been impressive coming out of retirement to 4th in the tour, contador not a huge attack but the speed, nobody could follow that acceleration, and it was a good performance considering how hard it is to make up time on a section that was not steep, to gain 18 seconds against a group of favourites is impressive, I hope some more attacking goes on today though, but I think evans is screwed.

 

[RightWingNutJob]

How ignorant is espn, two dickheads, just said that nobody gives a crap about cycling unless lance is racing, I am so glad I have spanish citizenship so I can say I am spanish this shows the ignorance of US sports media. But anyway I was not surprised by LA but he has been impressive coming out of retirement to 4th in the tour, contador not a huge attack but the speed, nobody could follow that acceleration, and it was a good performance considering how hard it is to make up time on a section that was not steep, to gain 18 seconds against a group of favourites is impressive, I hope some more attacking goes on today though, but I think evans is screwed.

WTF. Not sure how espn commentating would make you not want to be American?

 

[aermet]

It's all about PR control for Bruyneel at this point. "The team is unified, all working together, strongest will win, no designated leader" All BS. All this talk about AC upsetting ALL his other teammates is BS. I would wager that more dislike LA in the peloton than like him. If a teammate does not help AC in this tour, it's going to be because the checkbook did the convincing and not because of their personal feelings. I really hope that nothing will sabotage AC's tour at this point, particularly from inside the team. It's happened before. AC knows that since Astana will not exist in it's current structure for much longer, he's on his own. He should try his best to win this tour as his value, both intrinsically and dollar wise, will be increased the next time he goes to sign a contract. In Bruyneel's interview, linked in an earlier post and given after the race, http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=1095451&ch=5127641&cl=14435449&src=ukyvideo
said nothing about riding tempo before AC's attack yet LA said that there were instructions during his post race interview. LA and AC are already on different teams and racing against each other. Too bad they wouldn't let AC out of his contract earlier, then at least we wouldn't have to hear about what a great teammate LA is from all the sycophants here.

 

[Wheels Go Round and Round]

It's all about PR control for Bruyneel at this point. "The team is unified, all working together, strongest will win, no designated leader" All BS. All this talk about AC upsetting ALL his other teammates is BS. I would wager that more dislike LA in the peloton than like him. If a teammate does not help AC in this tour, it's going to be because the checkbook did the convincing and not because of their personal feelings. I really hope that nothing will sabotage AC's tour at this point, particularly from inside the team. It's happened before. AC knows that since Astana will not exist in it's current structure for much longer, he's on his own. He should try his best to win this tour as his value, both intrinsically and dollar wise, will be increased the next time he goes to sign a contract. In Bruyneel's interview, linked in an earlier post and given after the race, http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=1095451&ch=5127641&cl=14435449&src=ukyvideo
said nothing about riding tempo before AC's attack yet LA said that there were instructions during his post race interview. LA and AC are already on different teams and racing against each other. Too bad they wouldn't let AC out of his contract earlier, then at least we wouldn't have to hear about what a great teammate LA is from all the sycophants here.

these posts are always funny....

ok for Conti to ride however he pleases yet if LA does it.... he's the proverial ***.... go figure

in the end... LA will dispatch him over the 3 week period.... watch and see

 

[Anonymous]

these posts are always funny....

ok for Conti to ride however he pleases yet if LA does it.... he's the proverial ***.... go figure

in the end... LA will dispatch him over the 3 week period.... watch and see

Finally you commit. Bookmarked.

 

[Wheels Go Round and Round]

Finally you commit. Bookmarked.

I have been committed....

you have been NOTHING but wrong since the tour started.... so what makes you think you are right now?

 

[Publicus]

these posts are always funny....

ok for Conti to ride however he pleases yet if LA does it.... he's the proverial ***.... go figure

in the end... LA will dispatch him over the 3 week period.... watch and see

Do tell. How does LA dispatch him?