TDF Stage 14 - Sunday, July 18 2010, Revel - Ax-3 Domaines, 184 km

[Spare Tyre]

but what they signed up for and what they have have changed slightly. The riders arent getting the support they were promised.

So they fell for the Lance charm & $ onslaught & PR bull**** rather than looked to his history? (They didn't have to look back very far.)

 

[sublimit]

I think the whole team is struggling for an identity at this point. They drank the kool-aid on Lance and I don't think they know the way forward since that dream has been shattered. And couple that with JB's lack of offensive tactical skill and you get this meandering/rudderless team.

Yes, I think the management have to answer some serious questions

Here we go - the climb...

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

The RS guys didn't fall for anything. They got a paycheck in exchange for giving Armstrong bottles. That was the deal. Horner said before the Tour that he'll be Lance's guardian angel in the mountains. They had absolutely no objectives other than helping Lance. Period. They knew what their job was.

 

[bobs nob]

That'll be because he's not English-speaking or from a North American team.

Yes, I get that their listing may only have like 6 people on the list and they are terrified that the non-cycling fans viewers will click away when they don't see our flag next to a name.

But I have said before, they REALLY underestimate the intelligence of their viewers. We/they deserve better (and have for years) but this year wil the RS implosion their spin is just pathetic. (The 2005 tour was a ratings bonanza for them and they just feel lost without him, I think.)

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

The break is getting shredded already.

 

[Anonymous]

So they fell for the Lance charm & $ onslaught & PR bull**** rather than looked to his history? (They didn't have to look back very far.)

I dont think morale is good. They were promised something exciting for the rest day, and instead JB took them to the pictures.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Thomas dropped as well.

 

[Ryaguas]

And Leipheimer is performing to the best of his abilities. I don't really see the problem Armstrong poses for them.

What using his depurated Ultimate wheelsucking technique???

Poor guys in The Shack... I can see that team splitting out next year...

 

[Bala Verde]

Ah the climb!

still murderous pace...

 

[Lyds97]

That'll be because he's not English-speaking or from a North American team.

And, historically, hasn't made the TdF the focus of his season. Eurosport was the same (although they are recognising Sammy now he's in 3rd), they would discuss the so-called contenders ad nauseum without even mentioning the guy who finished 2nd in last year's Vuelta and is an amazing climber/descender.

I have become used to muttering "... and Sanchez.." when commentators are discussing GC contendors.

 

[bobs nob]

What using his depurated Ultimate wheelsucking technique???

Poor guys in The Shack... I can see that team splitting out next year...

Probably splitting in a couple months.

 

[Publicus]

Absolute carnage.

 

[Lyds97]

That'll be because he's not English-speaking or from a North American team.

Cleanus Linus off the back.

 

[Anonymous]

What using his depurated Ultimate wheelsucking technique???

Poor guys in The Shack... I can see that team splitting out next year...

I think with the upcoming landis case i think this may be the last time you see a lot of these guys riding full stop. When RS the company folds, and the team folds, are other teams really want to going to take on riders in teh middle of a federal investigation.

I think for levi, horner, Brajkovic, Kloden this could be there last tour.

 

[ericthesportsman6]

Valls Ferri going, Gerdemann already gone.

 

[Bala Verde]

Valls for the Polka dots?

 

[superconfex]

Footooooon

 

[Anonymous]

Footon. Hate the kits, fun to watch.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Monier dropped, he is 21th in the GC....

 

[luckyboy]

Valls Ferri

 

[Bala Verde]

Where is schleck in the bunch?

>EDIT; ok in the belly.

 

[sublimit]

they (footen)have a couple of decent riders..

 

[Lyds97]

Andy looking lonely in the middle there.

 

[Publicus]

There are 4 Astana riders and AC is sitting on Andy.

EDIT: Well Jesus is gone. Shocking.

 

[Tom T.]

Andy riding a little far back in the group for my liking.