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

[Big GMaC]

Correct.

I don't really know what the origin of the expression is. Ie wikipedia attributes it to the track in a points or pair race, when someone is half a lap in front of the group, but where the group doesn't go full out to chase, him, but has set a high enough pace that the one in front won't be able to reconnect/lap the pack.

It's (Dutch/Flemish) cycling jargon for a fruitless or unproductive chase, 'swimming in between' a break and the peloton, whereby a rider, or group of riders neither gains time on the peloton or the break.

They are chasing potatoes. Another story is that it was used by BRT commentators during a stage, when for many hours 2 riders remained at 2 minutes from the break and the peloton. The commentator lamented "Amai, those 2 are still chasing potatoes".

Ha. But why potatoes!?

 

[BroDeal]

With the weather, Contador will not be suffering any allergies today.

 

[Rob_Roy]

Moreau Crevasion,according to Eurosport.

Is Crevasion the same as abandon?

 

[cyclestationgiuseppe]

Anyone hear the story of Sean Kelly climbing the Tourmalet yesterday on a 1910 single speed bike (42x24 geared) wearing a vintage wool kit...

awesome!

 

[ericthesportsman6]

Moreau Crevasion,according to Eurosport.

Is Crevasion the same as abandon?

I thought he just had a flat tire.

 

[Bala Verde]

From what I know about it is is poor, certainly compared to other games out there. A family board game more than a cycling simulation game. If you are curious about cycling board games, this is a great starting point:

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/19105/item/669681

I think I know that website, used it for other board games, but never really looked for cycling related games. Thanks for the tip!

 

[icefire]

Moreau Crevasion,according to Eurosport.

Is Crevasion the same as abandon?

Crevaison = Puncture

 

[salixcycling]

Ha. But why potatoes!?

Because it is pointless to chase potatoes

 

[nvpacchi]

anyone listening to any commentators have an update on Sanchez's status. Was the wind just knocked out of him? Or is he in considerable pain?

 

[Rob_Roy]

I thought he just had a flat tire.

Yes!! Great! I was afraid that he quitted ..

 

[alberto.legstrong]

Andy's Time Trialing

I think he will be working very hard in the off-season on his TT skills if he isn't on the top step on Sunday.

I don't know why he seems to not have improved over last year. He seems a little undisciplined at times in his preparation but maybe this will be the kick in the **** he needs.

 

[Lyds97]

Charteau riding very close to the front as Rojas paces Moreau back on after his puncture. Will Charteau try to sneak a couple of points, especially if Sastre gets reeled in?

 

[ericthesportsman6]

Wow Phil and Paul really are really gushing out the love for Sastre. He's clearly not going anywhere.

 

[kurtinsc]

Actually, he finished strong, attacking the favorite group a few times on the Ventoux. That's why I was so surprised that everyone on this forum thought pre-TDF that he was some kind of opportunist who had gotten lucky in the past.

When did VDB attack on Ventoux? After one of the Andy/Alberto attacks when everyone was just following Frank's wheel to make sure he didn't get time on them?

VDB had a nice ride last year... but on climbing stages he consistently finished behind Wiggins. He has obviously improved quite a bit from that performance. Wiggins was dying on Ventoux and VDB still was 30+ seconds behind. While he was riding for Evans, he was at the Le Mevel/Karpets/Tony Martin level on Verbier. Even using the break on Grand Bornand... he was still finishing with Le Mevel, KArpets, Nocentini and Casar.

He looked talented last year. This year that talent has blossomed... but saying we should have predicted that is asking a bit much. He and LeMevel were very similar last year... he's improved much more then LeMevel has.

 

[kurtinsc]

They don't have a rider in the break...

Gotcha... I was looking at an old list of who was in the break apparently.

 

[Bala Verde]

Ha. But why potatoes!?

They have lots of them in Belgium & Netherlands and we prefer to eat them deep fried.

I am guessing because the potato is a staple/basic ingredient in traditional Dutch/Belgian cuisine (Ie dinner = meat, potatoes, and a vegetable)?

Chasing/hunting for potatoes, if you've ever done it before, is also a useless activity. They are rather unhuntable.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

With the weather, Contador will not be suffering any allergies today.

Yes but he was better adapted than AS to extreme heat and isn;t so clever on wet roads

 

[andy1234]

I think he will be working very hard in the off-season on his TT skills if he isn't on the top step on Sunday.

I don't know why he seems to not have improved over last year. He seems a little undisciplined at times in his preparation but maybe this will be the kick in the **** he needs.

How do you know if he's improved or not?
Do you have a crystal ball?

 

[ericthesportsman6]

When did VDB attack on Ventoux? After one of the Andy/Alberto attacks when everyone was just following Frank's wheel to make sure he didn't get time on them?

VDB had a nice ride last year... but on climbing stages he consistently finished behind Wiggins. He has obviously improved quite a bit from that performance. Wiggins was dying on Ventoux and VDB still was 30+ seconds behind. While he was riding for Evans, he was at the Le Mevel/Karpets/Tony Martin level on Verbier. Even using the break on Grand Bornand... he was still finishing with Le Mevel, KArpets, Nocentini and Casar.

He looked talented last year. This year that talent has blossomed... but saying we should have predicted that is asking a bit much. He and LeMevel were very similar last year... he's improved much more then LeMevel has.

I know no one could have predicted how strong he has been at this year's Tour, but a lot of people on this forum said pre-race that he couldn't climb at all, and that he took advantage of gaining time in breaks (which I know he has a done before). He has a top 10 in the Giro. On a side note, I'm pretty sure I just saw Denis Menchov struggling at the back, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

patat met frikandel!

But on topic, Sastre does look like a frikandel at the moment

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

I know no one could have predicted how strong he has been at this year's Tour, but a lot of people on this forum said pre-race that he couldn't climb at all, and that he took advantage of gaining time in breaks. He has a top 10 in the Giro. On a side note, I'm pretty sure I just saw Denis Menchov struggling at the back, but I'm not 100% sure.

No, that was Grischa Niermann.

 

[Bala Verde]

Weather apparently improving at the finish. No torrential down pours, thunder, lightning and other elements that make cycling so much fun...

 

[ericthesportsman6]

No, that was Grischa Niermann.

good, I guess i got the 7 and the 1 mixed up.

 

[Dedelou]

Sastre's only chance now is only if Samu attacks on the Soulor descend

sanchez is a bit banged up after the earlier crash i think

 

[bjaelkesex]

On a side note, I'm pretty sure I just saw Denis Menchov struggling at the back, but I'm not 100% sure.

I suspect cameras would be all over him if that was the case.