Tour de France 2011 Stage 9: Issoire - Saint-Flour 208 km

[lilyprotector]

i can't wait to hear what contador has to say about the crash and whether or not he was flicked.

 

[ggusta]

LOL

i think the driver is going to have to go into hiding.

Sadly, in some countries, that is not a joke. ESPN did one of their 30 for 30 documentaries on how a Colombian 'soccer' player cost his team a crucial win by a horrible error and he paid the ultimate price afterwards. People sometimes get too wrapped up in sports.

Getting that driver as far away from any bicyclist and perhaps revoking their license for some time should be sufficient, imo.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

lol, did anyone else notice how Harmonn calling Goss winning on stage 5 has mysteriously been edited out in the week recap

Nah, but I'm not that attentive.

 

[Franklin]

Every time I see a Saur rider it takes me a good few minutes to figure out who the hell they are because I never, ever see that jersey. I was 100% behind the ASO inviting all French wild card teams earlier this year but given how terrible Saur have been it does seem ridiculous that Geox aren't here instead.

It were the first 22 teams, Geox is even lower in standing than Androni and Skill.

 

[Dedelou]

I don't see Contador having the form to stay with Schleck. Perhaps I am wrong.

Do you mean you have inside information on who is going to crash next ? Or you base this on the your observation that Andy totally obliterated AC in today's finish? I mean , I could be with you there : Andy takes ...... let me see.. zero time on totally defeated barely finishing AC. yeah well, we all see what we want , don't we?

 

[MrRoboto]

I see Kloden again loses a littgle time on the steeper shorter climbs - he could lose plenty in the mountains if the favourites all start attacking in earnest.

To his defense, he was involved in the crash. Hopefully he'll be ok on tuesday.

 

[auscyclefan94]

I expect Karpets' rest day will be extended for the remainder of the Tour.

Come on, lets not jump to conclusions before both sides are heard and witness statements are taken from both riders.

 

[hatcher]

I see Kloden again loses a littgle time on the steeper shorter climbs - he could lose plenty in the mountains if the favourites all start attacking in earnest.

Even weirder was the fact that on a hilly steep finish Geraint Thomas manages to comfortably outclimb Uran - Ryo - any comments on this?

Bad Sky tactics I bet. Or he was homesick. Or didn't like the weather.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Do you mean you have inside information on who is going to crash next ? Or you base this on the your observation that Andy totally obliterated AC in today's finish? I mean , I could be with you there : Andy takes ...... let me see.. zero time on totally defeated barely finishing AC. yeah well, we all see what we want , don't we?

Uh, what are you babbling about?

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Gilbert has 64 points on Cavendish right now.

Gilbert wears green in Paris!

 

[Dutchsmurf]

On a another topic so much loyalty in the Lotto team in them leaving VDB wallowing in the gutter injured. Kind of sickened by that.

Some people here... He looked like he didn't even know where he was. Even if he wanted to continue, the team should have made him quit. There was no reason to wait for him, because he clearly was unable to continue. Just like Astana went back on their way.

 

[Carl0880]

Flecha is hard as nails, hopefully he left a dent in the French moron drivers piece of junk Skoda or whatever it was.

On a another topic so much loyalty in the Lotto team in them leaving VDB wallowing in the gutter injured. Kind of sickened by that.

I saw one guy with him (Not including WIllems), but who else are they going to keep back. They were down to 8 riders, You have Gilbert and Griepel protected, and I am sure they each had one guy with them, so that leaves 3 others, then when you include Willems,. I am sure they knew really quick that VBD was out.

The image of Vino being carried out by his team though will remain. The entire team but Krueziger was stopped on the road.

I am glad to see Flecha and Hoogerland, but I think Hoogerland is done, his back will completely stiffen and with all the cuts he has, I just not sure he will start. Flecha, despite being the one directly hit by the car, I think will at least start on Tues, and see if he can go.

 

[Dedelou]

Uh, what are you babbling about?

don't worry about it.. was a bit above your humor cap

 

[Jamsque]

Hoogerland crying on the podium in polka-dots!

 

[khardung la]

I think Contador may be in one of the following situations right now:

1-The Giro was hard, he is tired, he will not get better
2-He rested a lot after the Giro planing to have another peak at the end of the Tour, hence he will get better
3-He is hiding the consequences of the accidents he had till now, specially in his knee. He will get better.

Right now I think number 2 is very possible. I was shocked to see that he was taking 2 weeks off after the Giro, doing very little. For me number 1 looks unlikely because they gave theirselves time to evaluate if Contador was going to the Tour. But of course we need to wait till stage 12, and probably even to the Alps.

 

[lilyprotector]

Sadly, in some countries, that is not a joke. ESPN did one of their 30 for 30 documentaries on how a Colombian 'soccer' player cost his team a crucial win by a horrible error and he paid the ultimate price afterwards. People sometimes get too wrapped up in sports.

i remember that horribly sad story. i wasn't kidding when i said i think the driver is going to have to go into hiding. it would benefit him to go under the radar for a while.

he should be very glad voeckler managed to stay on his bike when flecha went down...

 

[sublimit]

Some people here... He looked like he didn't even know where he was. Even if he wanted to continue, the team should have made him quit. There was no reason to wait for him, because he clearly was unable to continue. Just like Astana went back on their way.

At least some of the Astana team riders gave Vino some assistance before moving on. Lotto riders just rode on oblivious to anything.

 

[The Sheep]

wow Johnny in tears during the podium

 

[HL2037]

Karpet's saddle in Contadors brake handle. Says Bjarne Riis on TV

 

[Jan the Man]

I think Contador may be in one of the following situations right now:

1-The Giro was hard, he is tired, he will not get better
2-He rested a lot after the Giro planing to have another peak at the end of the Tour, hence he will get better
3-He is hiding the consequences of the accidents he had till now, specially in his knee. He will get better.

Right now I think number 2 is very possible. I was shocked to see that he was taking 2 weeks off after the Giro, doing very little. For me number 1 looks unlikely because they gave theirselves time to evaluate if Contador was going to the Tour. But of course we need to wait till stage 12, and probably even to the Alps.

I think Schleck will win the Tour but having said that I have seen little indication in the first stages one way or another who will be climbing better in 5 days time when the real mountains are upon us.

Last year Schleck and Contador climbed even and above the rest. I see a similar situation this year.

Question is can Conti make 1:30 in a 40km TT. Possible but if Schleck is in last years form, no.

 

[rides like a girl]

Great podium for Johnny Hoog...he was wrapped up and in tears for the polka dot and the combative rider. Had me almost crying. Hope he races on Tuesday. They didn't have Flecha on the podium for combative rider, wonder if he is still getting medical attention.

 

[Franklin]

Karpet's saddle in Contadors brake handle. Says Bjarne Riis on TV

So thats why Karpets looked left and swirved...

LMAO at all the dramafish

Intentional flick indeed

 

[benpounder]

The insurance company pays for this, or that is how it would be in the Netherlands. I guess both teams got an insurance covering legal costs (excluding legal costs for doping and the like of course).

I'm guessing French TV quickly becomes a silent sponsor of both Vacansoleil and Team Sky.

 

[hatcher]

But did Karpets put it there on purpose? I say yes. Let's get him.

 

[GroupDK]

old news..damn your guys are fast