TDF Stage 17 - Thursday, July 22 2010, Pau - Col du Tourmalet, 174 km

[Delicato]

Well,actually Chris Horner won TotBC

Contador won Castille y Leon, had 3rd place in F-W.

 

[No_Balls]

I dont think Contador has peaked correctly this year for the Tour. It looks as though he may have over cooked his early season, if you look at Schleck he was terrible all the way up until the tour whereas Contador has been a fixture throughout the season.

Maybe a move to Riis next season along with Navarro and a few other helpers would work well for him on a more Schleck kind of training programme?

Yes, speaks words about what kind of champ AC is. Riding trough and trough over a full season (inclusive the classics) and yet being competitive in the Tour de France. That is a sight we haven´t been used to during the last 10 years.

AS? He sticks with the Lance Armstrong training plan so i guess we will se him in July next year.

 

[goggalor]

I dont think Contador has peaked correctly this year for the Tour. It looks as though he may have over cooked his early season, if you look at Schleck he was terrible all the way up until the tour whereas Contador has been a fixture throughout the season.

Maybe a move to Riis next season along with Navarro and a few other helpers would work well for him on a more Schleck kind of training programme?

Hopefully not. I'd like to see him ride EVERYTHING, like for instance Evans does. If he does, maybe Schleck will be inspired to do the same. Or maybe he'll keep trying to outpeak Contador at le Tour...

 

[richwagmn]

Well, outside of stage 2 and 3, chaingate, LA's inability to stay on a bike and the Green Jersey fight, this tour has been a bore. The penultimate stage was certainly a dud just like last year's penultimate stage.

AC seems to have lost something. Not sure if his training was wrong or other things are missing... (clinic that way--->). But he sure didn't light up the tour. I think AC's win this year almost makes some of LA's wins look exciting.

Was LeMond the last guy to win the TDF without a stage win?

The most interesting thing now is to see where everyone lands.

I sure hope the shlecklet can figure out how to time trial one day. Otherwise, we'll have Indurain style wins from AC (hang with the climbers, win with the TT).

Oh well, there's always next year.

 

[benpounder]

While I agree that there are 4 men with podium ambitions, I think it is far more complex that suggested. Looking at last years 40.5km ITT, Contador beat Schleck by 1:45, Jurgen Van Den Broeck by 2:26 (and Cancellara by 0:03). Two years ago, on the 53km ITT, Cancellara beat Menchov by 1:34, Samu Sanchez by 2:53, and AS by 3:41. In other words, Sanchez knows he has to put time in on Menchov, Schleck needs to put time on both and all need Contador to crack.

BUT, Gesink, sitting behind VDB but just in front of Leipheimer is going to want to put time on both. Rodrigeuz, sitting just in front of Vino and Hesjedal, but just behind LL will also want some time in hand proir to the long flat ITT. Thus, I expect to see AS, Sanchez, Gesink (if he can), and Rodrigeuz to be the ones attacking on the last climb.

IF their strategies dont get hijacked. You have the battle for polka-dot. Moreau and Charteau, and their respective teams will fighting it out over the first 3 climbs. With Moreau attacking early, expect to see a RShack shadow. And dont forget both Cervelo and Lampre likely have dual tasks in the opening kms. Both want to give their sprinters opportunity for points (at 33km) and want to launch Sastre and Cunego for a possible stage victory.

AND seeing as the French riders have done so well in the mountains I expect to see QuickStep, FdJour, and AG2R also launching.

In all, that is a whole lot of folks looking for results.

THEN again, seems to me it was about a year ago when all eyes were on another MTF with great expectations of what was to come. We all remember the Ventoux Fizzle...

Well not quite the Ventoux fizzle, but certainly lacking in the drama department.

 

[Parcours]

You do know Contador will probably win and not Schleck right?

Contador: overall classification Paris-nice and stage win, Tour of the Basque country with stage win, [probably] Tour de France, stage wins at dauphine and points classification, volta algarve+ stage win, Vuelta Castille y Leon+ stage win, etc

Schleck: 2 stage wins at TdF?

I am fully aware that he will most likely beat Schleck in the overall. I am a huge fan of Contador myself and as such I am a little surprised that this year he is not putting on quite the same masterclass.

I just feel that he looks a little tired and slightly out of form, which is not a dig at him because clearly it would show that is able to still win the TDF despite being off form.

 

[El Pistolero]

I am fully aware that he will most likely beat Schleck in the overall. I am a huge fan of Contador myself and as such I am a little surprised that this year he is not putting on quite the same masterclass.

I just feel that he looks a little tired and slightly out of form, which is not a dig at him because clearly it would show that is able to still win the TDF despite being off form.

I don't think he's off form, I just think that Andy improved a lot from last year.

Take away Schleck in this Tour and Contador could have won quite a lot of stages.

 

[Publicus]

Well, outside of stage 2 and 3, chaingate, LA's inability to stay on a bike and the Green Jersey fight, this tour has been a bore. The penultimate stage was certainly a dud just like last year's penultimate stage.

AC seems to have lost something. Not sure if his training was wrong or other things are missing... (clinic that way--->). But he sure didn't light up the tour. I think AC's win this year almost makes some of LA's wins look exciting.

Was LeMond the last guy to win the TDF without a stage win?

The most interesting thing now is to see where everyone lands.

I sure hope the shlecklet can figure out how to time trial one day. Otherwise, we'll have Indurain style wins from AC (hang with the climbers, win with the TT).

Oh well, there's always next year.

Different race, different tactics.

 

[Big GMaC]

Well, outside of stage 2 and 3, chaingate, LA's inability to stay on a bike and the Green Jersey fight, this tour has been a bore. The penultimate stage was certainly a dud just like last year's penultimate stage.

AC seems to have lost something. Not sure if his training was wrong or other things are missing... (clinic that way--->). But he sure didn't light up the tour. I think AC's win this year almost makes some of LA's wins look exciting.

Was LeMond the last guy to win the TDF without a stage win?

The most interesting thing now is to see where everyone lands.

I sure hope the shlecklet can figure out how to time trial one day. Otherwise, we'll have Indurain style wins from AC (hang with the climbers, win with the TT).

Oh well, there's always next year.

Hang?

Thats weak man saying that

 

[erkcyclisme]

Chris Horner in Top 10

Another breathtaking, leg-breaking day in the mountains and look who is the Top 10: Chris Horner, one of the least heralded guys in the TdF field.

Got bumped from last year's Tour team for political reasons and had the misfortune to be on the post-Vino/Astana squad that was non-invited in 2008.

No scandals, no performance enhancing drugs. Horner just rides his bike fast uphill and hopefully Saturday in the TT.

May his career endure a few more years to overcome the "lost" Francaise des Jeux days and other injustices.

 

[spanky wanderlust]

Another breathtaking, leg-breaking day in the mountains and look who is the Top 10: Chris Horner, one of the least heralded guys in the TdF field.

Got bumped from last year's Tour team for political reasons and had the misfortune to be on the post-Vino/Astana squad that was non-invited in 2008.

No scandals, no performance enhancing drugs. Horner just rides his bike fast uphill and hopefully Saturday in the TT.

May his career endure a few more years to overcome the "lost" Francaise des Jeux days and other injustices.

+1. awesome ride by horner this year. even smoked leipheimer on the tourmalet.

 

[reubenr]

I don't think he's off form, I just think that Andy improved a lot from last year.

Take away Schleck in this Tour and Contador could have won quite a lot of stages.

I really don't think that Contador had to do anything more than what he did and that's what makes him a great professional cyclist. He is the epitome of "economy of effort." More with less effort.

Quite frankly, this TDF was one of the worst that I have ever witnessed. I am viewing it from the USA, which probably speaks for itself, but the media reporting was just down right horrible. Combined with or because of Mr. Armstrong's appearance, everything was pretty much spoiled from the get go, anyway. The old fart should have just staid home, but, obviously, he can't help himself. Some body should help him, though! And as for ever going in to a Radio Shack store, forget about it. Also disappointing was Liggett and Sherwen, who do not have a clue as to what is going on in the race or the reactions of the viewers. They need to retire, like Armstrong. Get out of here, you knucleheads! They read in to the moves such ridiculous pathos that it makes one want to throw up. And the obvious just goes past them like a freight train of thought in the night. Finally, Andy does not impress me as being much of a human being, who is able to weigh things logically or with any degree of acumen, as a cyclist or as a hb. He seems like a nice young man, but quite full of himself, another Lance of sorts, with an accent. Does he really have such little insight into his own psyche or was it just simply the lack of his brother's presence that made him look so out of touch with himself and so juvenile. We can do it if we try, v i c t o r y! Mr. Contador could have dusted Andy off towards the top of the Tourmalet, but he didn't. He didn't have to win the battle, it is the war on which he is focused, begin all and end all. If we just watch the man move through the Tour, minus all the BS, we would see a surgeon at work and the operation done to perfection.

 

[henryg]

Yes, speaks words about what kind of champ AC is. Riding trough and trough over a full season (inclusive the classics) and yet being competitive in the Tour de France. That is a sight we haven´t been used to during the last 10 years.

AS? He sticks with the Lance Armstrong training plan so i guess we will se him in July next year.

I think it's great that Alberto is emulating champions like Hinault and Merckx who competed in more then just the Tour. Having a team and rider built to peak for one race is bad for cycling. The classics and other historic races deserve the respect Contador has been giving to them.

 

[Bennyl]

I absolutely loved last nights stage. It was obvious Andy & Alberto were evenly matched and at their limits. Great to see Andy respond to ACs attack.

Great job by Saxo too, they dropped the Astana team like a hot potato, Navarro was nowhere to be found on Tourmelet.

I think the clouds hovering over the finish added to the mystique. and the gradient at the finish, just magic, it looked like a real war of attrition. Hats of to all the riders, I get the feeling they have really suffered this year but still put on a real show.

...nice to see Nicholas Roche come in before Gadret after that debacle yesterday..

 

[131313]

Quite frankly, this TDF was one of the worst that I have ever witnessed...And as for ever going in to a Radio Shack store, forget about it.

Come on, he has certainly "raised awareness" for Radio Shack. Did you even know they were actually in business until they sponsored a cycling team? I didn't??

Finally, Andy does not impress me as being much of a human being, who is able to weigh things logically or with any degree of acumen, as a cyclist or as a hb. He seems like a nice young man, but quite full of himself, another Lance of sorts, with an accent. Does he really have such little insight into his own psyche or was it just simply the lack of his brother's presence that made him look so out of touch with himself and so juvenile.

He called his mom on the top of one of the climbs to tell her not to worry, he wouldn't go downhill too fast. And then admitted that fact to the press. Enough said.

Mr. Contador could have dusted Andy off towards the top of the Tourmalet, but he didn't. He didn't have to win the battle, it is the war on which he is focused, begin all and end all. If we just watch the man move through the Tour, minus all the BS, we would see a surgeon at work and the operation done to perfection.

Maybe not the most thrilling, but his sinister eyebrows and calculating ways have grown on me.

Honestly, I think if the US TV coverage spent some time focusing on some of the stories of the actual race, stuff like McEwen's desperate chases just to make it to the autobus, two teammates getting ready to kill each other, wheel attacks and more sheep (definitely more sheep), this would appear to be a really interesting tour! There are a ton of stories out there, but unfortunately the overall GC isn't one of them, and the US media has been too interested in the whereabouts of a certain Mr. Lance Armstrong for people to know about it.

I still think it's a great race.

 

[No_Balls]

I think it's great that Alberto is emulating champions like Hinault and Merckx who competed in more then just the Tour. Having a team and rider built to peak for one race is bad for cycling. The classics and other historic races deserve the respect Contador has been giving to them.

Yes, and since he tries to have a "full-season" agenda, i guess we have to live with this rather conservative style over Tour de France. He actually even admitted having so in his interview today.

It is possible AS have developed to this Tour, but i have also seen signs that AC isn´t as good as last year (or equal good, but conservative).

 

[No_Balls]

I don't think he's off form, I just think that Andy improved a lot from last year.

Take away Schleck in this Tour and Contador could have won quite a lot of stages.

Yes, but he (Contador) have also, at some points this year, having problem getting rid of Rodriguéz, Sanchez and Menchov, which isn´t as it should be.

Nothing against him here, he shows what a great champ he is, but i think he hasn´t been his best here (or have been more calculating and conservative).

 

[spanky wanderlust]

I think it's great that Alberto is emulating champions like Hinault and Merckx who competed in more then just the Tour. Having a team and rider built to peak for one race is bad for cycling. The classics and other historic races deserve the respect Contador has been giving to them.

except for that whole winning stages part.

winning a tour without winning any stages is sort of like winning a world cup final on pks after a scoreless tie. yeah, ok, you won. but....

hope he wins the tt saturday.

 

[auscyclefan94]

It's not like I spent my whole morning in here. I actually have a job and my employer rudely expects me to continue working during my scheduled hours, bike race or no bike race. My point is people need to leave the troll alone.

Okay then...

 

[flicker]

I really don't think that Contador had to do anything more than what he did and that's what makes him a great professional cyclist. He is the epitome of "economy of effort." More with less effort.

Quite frankly, this TDF was one of the worst that I have ever witnessed. I am viewing it from the USA, which probably speaks for itself, but the media reporting was just down right horrible. Combined with or because of Mr. Armstrong's appearance, everything was pretty much spoiled from the get go, anyway. The old fart should have just staid home, but, obviously, he can't help himself. Some body should help him, though! And as for ever going in to a Radio Shack store, forget about it. Also disappointing was Liggett and Sherwen, who do not have a clue as to what is going on in the race or the reactions of the viewers. They need to retire, like Armstrong. Get out of here, you knucleheads! They read in to the moves such ridiculous pathos that it makes one want to throw up. And the obvious just goes past them like a freight train of thought in the night. Finally, Andy does not impress me as being much of a human being, who is able to weigh things logically or with any degree of acumen, as a cyclist or as a hb. He seems like a nice young man, but quite full of himself, another Lance of sorts, with an accent. Does he really have such little insight into his own psyche or was it just simply the lack of his brother's presence that made him look so out of touch with himself and so juvenile. We can do it if we try, v i c t o r y! Mr. Contador could have dusted Andy off towards the top of the Tourmalet, but he didn't. He didn't have to win the battle, it is the war on which he is focused, begin all and end all. If we just watch the man move through the Tour, minus all the BS, we would see a surgeon at work and the operation done to perfection.

dude you should have paid the 30$ and watched the race on tour tracker. Phil and Paul wer awesome. 30$ well I am sorry you did not enjoy the tour. I thought it was fantastic. So sorry for you. PS Learn how to spell please, as you are precipitating a headache for me.

 

[reubenr]

Phil and Paul wer awesome.

They wer? Unfortunately, I did watch the TDF on Tour Tracker, as well.

 

[step23]

my tribute to those who say that AC can be a new LA.
its like with the ring
"my precccciousssss"

who knows, we'll see if Frodo can do it. ))

 

[{the_crow}]

Just to say that the chain episode was the key moment in this tour...