TdF stge 1 Monaco ITT, 15.50 km

[Anonymous]

Fear of rain could be it. Both Armstrong and Leecheimer are starting a ways apart from Contador.

Well, here we go.

 

[clydesdale]

So Bob Roll called the OTHER riders egocentric? At least he doesn't do race commentary, does he?

Either way, I'm picking someone noone on the show picked:

Kim Kirchen

 

[Anonymous]

Phil already mis-identified a rider.....the second rider on the course. Man you guys who can watch this without their stupidity are lucky.

 

[Amsterhammer]

There's quite some climbing to do there! Van Hummel seems to be going pretty slow. I can watch on either Dutch, Belgian or Eurosport, whatever commentators **** me off the least.

 

[Mellow Velo]

So did JB put Contador later so he would catch the rain?

That would be my belief.
Otherwise, why not Lance and Contador off early and give the rain risk to Kloden and Leipheimer?
We already have our answer before the race has begun.

Already looking pretty dark and the clouds are beginning to hang low on the mountains.

 

[Kazistuta]

So will be the main men of the first pack to go? After 20 riders my bet would be:

1. Armstrong
2. Monfort
3. Pasamontes

 

[Mellow Velo]

There's quite some climbing to do there! Van Hummel seems to be going pretty slow. I can watch on either Dutch, Belgian or Eurosport, whatever commentators **** me off the least.

I know that early route well and it's pretty stiff.
Tough call, but I wouldn't bet on Eurosport, but Sporza!

I've gone for a France 2/Eurosport combo, but might swap to RTBF if the adds get on my nerves.

 

[BroDeal]

So Bob Roll called the OTHER riders egocentric? At least he doesn't do race commentary, does he?

If they follow the pattern they have used before, the live show will be called by Phil and Paul. The later "enhanced" versions are a mixture of Phil and Paul calling some of the race and Bob Roll and the current year's professional announcer calling other parts. Bob is not actually that bad of a commentator as long as he does not get stuck on Armstrong. Although I think the further he gets from his wild, Harley riding, lamb chop sporting days and the closer he gets to the suit wearing, well groomed look, the more bland he has become.

 

[Anonymous]

Good to see Frankie wasn't black balled.

 

[BroDeal]

Good to see Frankie wasn't black balled.

Armstrong must absolutely hate having to talk to Frankie. It is freakin' hilarious.

 

[Anonymous]

Armstrong must absolutely hate having to talk to Frankie. It is freakin' hilarious.

No kidding. I am disappointed that the audio of the interview was messed up.

 

[Rechtschreibfehler]

Allright now the race really has started.
Let's see how he can do.

Is it just my memory or does he look much more muscular than in the old days?

 

[Anonymous]

That does not sound like adulation to me.

 

[clydesdale]

That does not sound like adulation to me.

I thought Liggett saying that it only sounded like cheers to him was pretty much him in a nutshell.

 

[jaylew]

I am torn, I could watch this in HD or through my computer so that I can listen to Eurosport. I'd put on just the Eurosport audio, but I am pretty sure it won't sinc up. I just detest those 4. I thought sports commentators were supposed to be subjective? HD rules though.

It's synching up perfectly for me. I could only take about 10 minutes of the Versus guys before I was ready to pull my hair out.

 

[BroDeal]

Is it just my memory or does he look much more muscular than in the old days?

His upper body looks more muscular but he is a lot thinner than he was in the Giro. His legs might be larger. They look pretty huge.

 

[Publicus]

That would be my belief.
Otherwise, why not Lance and Contador off early and give the rain risk to Kloden and Leipheimer?
We already have our answer before the race has begun.

Already looking pretty dark and the clouds are beginning to hang low on the mountains.

All of the team leaders are at the end. Armstrong and Levi were slotted early because of the potential for rain.

 

[Anonymous]

It's synching up perfectly for me. I could only take about 10 minutes of the Versus guys before I was ready to pull my hair out.

You're right, thanks. Soooo much better.

 

[msjett]

I thought it was based on rankings from previous tour?? Except that would mean contador starting earlier than he actually is.

 

[Rechtschreibfehler]

His upper body looks more muscular but he is a lot thinner than he was in the Giro. His legs might be larger. They look pretty huge.

Yeah. That's what I mean...
Is he really skinnier than in the Giro? I can't see much of a driffrence, but that might just be me.

So one thing that is interesting is that his cadence has not gone up at all since the Giro. Which should explain the legs.

 

[BroDeal]

You're right, thanks. Soooo much better.

+1 billion

I absolutely cannot stand Versus constant Lance-centric coverage. It was bad enough in 2005. Now it is three times worse.

 

[Anonymous]

There is the interview.....awkward...........I would laugh if he said "My wife said 'hi'"

Armstrong said "Contador is the leader of the team NOW" What a tool.

Had to switch back for that. Now back to Kelly.

 

[Publicus]

There is the interview.....awkward...........I would laugh if he said "My wife said 'hi'"

Armstrong said "Contador is the leader of the team NOW" What a tool.

Lance is an official a$$. Competitor, yes; but definitely an a$$.

 

[BroDeal]

Yeah. That's what I mean...
Is he really skinnier than in the Giro? I can't see much of a driffrence, but that might just be me.

So one thing that is interesting is that his cadence has not gone up at all since the Giro. Which should explain the legs.

I think the area around the traps, deltoids and such were dang large for a cyclist during the Giro. They definitely look slimmed down today. His upper arms also look thinner.

His calves look massive from behind.

 

[sportzchick]

Astana are in danger of having too many cheifs and not enough indians