Paris-Nice losing prestige?

[53x11 in DC]

For sure, its gonna be one epic stage.

Did you hook yourself up to cycling.tv or cyclingfans.com yet?

 

[Merckx]

I got this awesome feed of cyclingfans.com today

http://www.justin.tv/tvseba2

My first language is french, so it was pretty cool to listen to the race like that. I'm used to Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen (who are great broadcasters themselves, always full of random information it seems), but these french commentators got alot more excited by the action. It made what would have been an ordinary stage, more captivating.

 

[Merckx]

Bumping this one back up to the top, if anyone wants to discuss today's race. Its cool to see Roy back in the escape group. 50 or so to go, cant wait for the fireworks!

-edit: My mistake, doesnt look like Roy is in the escape group?

 

[Jamsque]

I think Roy got dropped from the escape at some point. Not surprising really

 

[53x11 in DC]

40k to go - here we go here we go. Astana looking like an '09 version of 2004's "le train bleu"

 

[Merckx]

Just saw Roy dangling off the end of the mainfield.

 

[53x11 in DC]

And now we see the difference twixt "le train bleu" and this Astana subset. These guys can't keep the pressure on for more than one climb, it seems. Granted, it's the "B" or "C" team

 

[Merckx]

+ I would imagine that the guys arent in the same form they would be for the tour. Astana will be monstrous in july.

 

[53x11 in DC]

Looks like Sanchez and Garate might have been smart choices on that other thread

 

[Merckx]

4-5k left until the start of the climb, right?

 

[Merckx]

I think they just said that zubeldia fell off the back. Weird, maybe he's sick?

 

[Merckx]

Haha love it, the field is completely spread out, and its only the beginning!

 

[Merckx]

Good ole' voigt

 

[Jamsque]

I'm watching the T-A at the minute (because Cav made it over the hills this time!) and I'm going to switch to the PN the moment they finish.

 

[Merckx]

Awesome, let me know if he gets it! On the second thought, only 4k left. Ill watch it too

 

[Bluebeard]

Garate dropped.

 

[Jamsque]

Ticker says Big Jens is off the front! Setting it up for Frank Schleck maybe?

 

[Angliru]

If Contador wants the overall he needs be attacking now. Chavanel still hanging in there.

 

[Merckx]

bummer for Cav, right on the line

 

[Merckx]

Sammy just attacked, trying to bridge

 

[Merckx]

jesus, contador is pulling away fast. didnt even stand up

 

[Jamsque]

I think that is the first time I have seen anyone come round Mark Cavendish. Very impressive from Farrar.

Switching to P-N now, it looks like I'm not going to win that signed jersey. Cadel is nowhere to be seen.

I think Frank is going to hang on to contador's wheel and take the stage...
just as I say that contador has dropped him. Oh well. Looks like another boring 5k of solo Contador, just like the Giro and the Vuelta last year...

 

[Merckx]

Contador is amazing, but echoing ulterior threads... Can he really be that good? I have no idea..

 

[53x11 in DC]

Contador is amazing, but echoing ulterior threads... Can he really be that good? I have no idea..

Yes, he can. The question is: Can he be this good still in July????

 

[Jamsque]

I still can't believe that someone overtook Mark Cavendish in the last 100m of a race.