Reality check for the doubters...LANCE IS BACK!

[Chomsky]

I think Lance was going for the yellow jersey, which the TEAM didn't want to defend. So, I agree, Lance was putting in some monster pulls. Frankly, I think it might be a bit of psychological blow for Lance not to be in yellow heading into the mountains since he won't have the team riding purely for him AND Contador will be free to respond and counter-attack on the first attack from the other GC contenders (pretenders after today?). Obviously lots of conjecture on my part, but it certainly LOOKED like he was going for yellow. Friday should be an explosive day.

Will Contador attack on Friday? Or will Astana simply ride a high enough tempo to prevent any attacks while keeping the all of the top 4 Astana together. I would think JB will want Levi, Lance, Kloeden and Contador all to be together in stage 7to keep as many options as possible open going in to the final week as after stage 7 there are not any stages that should shuffle the GC until stage 15 at the earliest. I agree it would help Contador to attack and distance his rivals Friday but it appears his main rivals left are his teamates and stage 7 may be a bit early to break them apart.

 

[frizzlefry]

+1................


I have to accept Lance has been impressive so far. But it is too early to make any celebrations yet. I also have to add that everybody knew that Astana had the strongest team, so up to this point they have done what was expected of them. Whether Lance wins or loses the Tour we need to wait and stop just celebrating every time Lance stands up on his bike.

I agree, the mountains will tell if LA still has what it takes to take on riders like AC, Evans, Kloden, Sastre, etc.

 

[dubbya]

Lance is back

"After blitzing the field he hadn't even raised his respiratory rate " Your hate/jealousy is binding you to the facts.You should have noticed that in the last 2 k's,Lance was dropping his head alot and quite possibly c/h been slighty droped if the course was much longer,but then again Lance is much smarter than most of us armchair experts.So your doping accusation's just make you look/sound stupid.Enjoy the Team Astana domiLANCE.

 

[titan_90]

I simply mean that he hasn't done anything yet. He managed a tenth in the Time Trial, caught the break in day 3, and was part of the strongest team in cycling on day 4. We have no idea what he will be like in the mountains. None.

The three week trolls won't understand your point because most of them live in some fantasy world where Lance is the centre. And every move he makes means he won the tour to them. They have no real understanding of the tactics of the sport because they are blinded with their love.

 

[fpcyclingn]

I've decided not to specifically name those of you doubters//complainers/blamers/haters who are presently stewing in your angst. It must be very difficult for you to handle this historic moment. I don't mean to rub it in, but you deserve it!

Yes, Lance IS in the drivers seat.

Now, you'll just have to wait for the Mountains. In the mean time, I feel GOOOOOOOD!

No doubt! I love how all the armchair warriors here continue to trash talk Lance all the while Lance consistently shows us why he is the master. He rode smart in stage 3, he predicted the chaotic blunders of Stage 4, he's now tied for 1st place.

The funniest crap I hear are these ****ers telling us that because Lance rode like crap in the Giro, that certainly he's done for in the Tour. Yeah, because that's how it works. They have it all figured out.... LOL.

 

[clydesdale]

The three week trolls won't understand your point because most of them live in some fantasy world where Lance is the centre. And every move he makes means he won the tour to them. They have no real understanding of the tactics of the sport because they are blinded with their love.

You're probably right. Heck, I don't think anyone really has any idea how he'll do. Good race today, enjoyed it.

As an aside, i have to admit I feel a little bad for Kloden. Two years ago he was forced to drop back and help Vino and this year he's in the service of who knows who and will have to work for him/them. I'd love for Lance/Contador to let him run to see what he can do.

 

[Publicus]

Will Contador attack on Friday? Or will Astana simply ride a high enough tempo to prevent any attacks while keeping the all of the top 4 Astana together. I would think JB will want Levi, Lance, Kloeden and Contador all to be together in stage 7to keep as many options as possible open going in to the final week as after stage 7 there are not any stages that should shuffle the GC until stage 15 at the earliest. I agree it would help Contador to attack and distance his rivals Friday but it appears his main rivals left are his teamates and stage 7 may be a bit early to break them apart.

Contador scouted this stage (rode it 3 times I believed) and thought it "suited him". What that means is if there is an attack, I think he's gone. Just like Lance took advantage of a race situation, you'd better believe that Contador will take advantage of any race situation that develops in the mountains. You always take time on your rivals where you can.

 

[frizzlefry]

Contador scouted this stage (rode it 3 times I believed) and thought it "suited him". What that means is if there is an attack, I think he's gone. Just like Lance took advantage of a race situation, you'd better believe that Contador will take advantage of any race situation that develops in the mountains. You always take time on your rivals where you can.

I cant wait for the mountains. the funny thing is if AC attacks and drops LA. All the posters here constantly ripping on LA/Astana will suddenly become AC FANBOYS! That will be classic.

 

[clydesdale]

I cant wait for the mountains. the funny thing is if AC attacks and drops LA. All the posters here constantly ripping on LA/Astana will suddenly become AC FANBOYS! That will be classic.

You laughed at me in the other thread, but this is why I think Schleck can still podium. I think if Contador does attack, other riders will drop and schleck will follow AC to a podium. Okay...maybe top 5.

 

[frizzlefry]

You laughed at me in the other thread, but this is why I think Schleck can still podium. I think if Contador does attack, other riders will drop and schleck will follow AC to a podium. Okay...maybe top 5.

I just dont see it happening. To much time to gain back. Anyone with over 2 minutes back is going to have a tough time gaining back time on Astana. They got to many weapons. But thats why they race. Its going to be interesting to see.

 

[Publicus]

You laughed at me in the other thread, but this is why I think Schleck can still podium. I think if Contador does attack, other riders will drop and schleck will follow AC to a podium. Okay...maybe top 5.

You know the last week is going to be the great equalizer. There is a ton of climbing with Ventoux being the penultimate stage. Anything can and will happen between now and Paris. There is the potential for some excellent battles.

 

[dubbya]

Poker Face

People forget 2001 stage 10."Tex bluffs to win Coup de Poker at L'Alpe d'Huez." Are we seeing the same thing for the good of the team and the best on the team,AC?

 

[frizzlefry]

People forget 2001 stage 10."Tex bluffs to win Coup de Poker at L'Alpe d'Huez." Are we seeing the same thing for the good of the team and the best on the team,AC?

That's possible.

 

[clydesdale]

I just dont see it happening. To much time to gain back. Anyone with over 2 minutes back is going to have a tough time gaining back time on Astana. They got to many weapons. But thats why they race. Its going to be interesting to see.

You might be right. I'll agree with you that it'll definitely be an interesting race. A LOT of attacks.

 

[issoisso]

You're probably right. Heck, I don't think anyone really has any idea how he'll do. Good race today, enjoyed it.

As an aside, i have to admit I feel a little bad for Kloden. Two years ago he was forced to drop back and help Vino and this year he's in the service of who knows who and will have to work for him/them. I'd love for Lance/Contador to let him run to see what he can do.

Don't feel bad for Klöden. He doesn't want to lead and has said so many times. He specifically signs contracts with teams where he won't be the leader, as he doesn't like the pressure.

He doesn't want a repeat of the 2006 Tour.

 

[clydesdale]

You know the last week is going to be the great equalizer. There is a ton of climbing with Ventoux being the penultimate stage. Anything can and will happen between now and Paris. There is the potential for some excellent battles.

I hope so. It takes me back to the few stages we got to watch between Contador and Rasmussen. I fully understand that Rasmussen broke the rules and needed to go, but those were some pretty fun stages to watch between the two of them and I really hope we get to see some of those again.

 

[clydesdale]

Don't feel bad for Klöden. He doesn't want to lead and has said so many times. He specifically signs contracts with teams where he won't be the leader, as he doesn't like the pressure.

He doesn't want a repeat of the 2006 Tour.

Huh, to each their own, I guess. He certainly seems to have the stuff to lead.

 

[Angliru]

I've decided not to specifically name those of you doubters//complainers/blamers/haters who are presently stewing in your angst. It must be very difficult for you to handle this historic moment. I don't mean to rub it in, but you deserve it!

Yes, Lance IS in the drivers seat.

Now, you'll just have to wait for the Mountains. In the mean time, I feel GOOOOOOOD!

You'd be a little (actually a lot) easier to tolerate if you weren't such a gloating, salivating, lap dog like Bob Roll. Wait. Bob is that you?

As long as you continue to disappear when things go less than right for the your lord and master I guess we can take pleasure in your inevitable prolonged absence.

 

[dubbya]

Seeing one last yellow on Big Tex would have been sweet but strategically not good.We will see AC take over yellow soon and the best TdF racer ever helping out.

 

[Robert Merivel]

You'd be a little (actually a lot) easier to tolerate if you weren't such a gloating, salivating, lap dog like Bob Roll. Wait. Bob is that you?

As long as you continue to disappear when things go less than right for the your lord and master I guess we can take pleasure in your inevitable prolonged absence.

Thank you for the compliment and comparison. Bob Roll walks his talk, do you? He's a successful tv commentator who knows his stuff, are you? He has finished the tour a number of times, have you? What have you done in the cycling world "Anguliru" that could come close, equal or top Mr. Rolls integrity? And what you think of me is not my concern, it is your concern.

Even though you would like for me to "disappear," I ain't going anywhere, this is too much fun. You see, it's a win-win situation for me. I can't loose! I love the tour and all the cyclists and that is what sets you and I apart.

Go Lance. Go Alberto. Go Astana! Go Carlos! Go Fabian! Go Cadel! Go...

 

[amsterdamned]

Thank you for the compliment and comparison. Bob Roll walks his talk, do you? He's a successful tv commentator who knows his stuff, are you? He has finished the tour a number of times, have you? What have you done in the cycling world "Anguliru" that could come close, equal or top Mr. Rolls integrity? And what you think of me is not my concern, it is your concern.

Even though you would like for me to "disappear," I ain't going anywhere, this is too much fun. You see, it's a win-win situation for me. I can't loose! I love the tour and all the cyclists and that is what sets you and I apart.

Go Lance. Go Alberto. Go Astana! Go Carlos! Go Fabian! Go Cadel! Go...

Bob Roll would have been an awesome rider with an "oreillette"

 

[Johnny Colnago]

I can't loose!

You can't spell 'lose' either apparently.

 

[Bagster]

I hope so. It takes me back to the few stages we got to watch between Contador and Rasmussen. I fully understand that Rasmussen broke the rules and needed to go, but those were some pretty fun stages to watch between the two of them and I really hope we get to see some of those again.

Loved that stage where Levi and AC were trying to work over Rasmussen. Ras played it to perfection, clawing his way back up to AC on his last atttack and then just riding over the top of him and smoking them both to the finish. Poor Ras, winner for a day lol.

 

[Publicus]

Loved that stage where Levi and AC were trying to work over Rasmussen. Ras played it to perfection, clawing his way back up to AC on his last atttack and then just riding over the top of him and smoking them both to the finish. Poor Ras, winner for a day lol.

AC had been attacking for what seemed like two or more stages straight. He just didn't have the stamina to get him over the top. That said, his style of racing made me an instant fan!

 

[Bagster]

You'd be a little (actually a lot) easier to tolerate if you weren't such a gloating, salivating, lap dog like Bob Roll. Wait. Bob is that you?

As long as you continue to disappear when things go less than right for the your lord and master I guess we can take pleasure in your inevitable prolonged absence.

Yeah, perhaps he is gloating a bit, but then again its the old story, dont dish it out if you can't take it. Some are more than happy to come on here and slag off Armstrong with stupid comments about what he will do or won't do. They just need to man up when it's thrown back at them.

When you get idiots making statements like "He will be gone on Friday" and if he is still up there on Saturday, they shouldn't start crying when those comments are thrown back. If people don't like getting flack for their stupid comments they should keep their mouths shut in the first place especially when speaking in the absolute regarding future events.