Which rider will be missed the most in this year's TDF

[Tigerion]

I voted Boonen, I was really looking forward to seeing who could have got near Cav on a stage with Boonen as a leadout man

 

[TheBean]

Two days ago, Normandy suggested that Tony Martin would likely be added to the list and expressed his/her sadness. I was inclined to agree with Normandy on both counts, Martin withdrawing and being sad - as well as hopeful for a complete and speedy recovery.

Tony Martin has shown us all that he is an incredibly tough man and is worthy of everyone's respect, IMO.

To go from losing consciousness twice following a very hard thump on the pavement on Sunday, then finishing with the front group on Tuesday's stage with five categorized climbs is completely amazing. I would be impressed if he had only saddled up and ridden 10k easy today. But, to finish with the front group is one of the greatest feats of recevery frm a serious accident I can recall!

If anyone reading this has access to Martin's direct e-mail or anything else, please let him know his heroic bravery, never-say-quit spirit, physical toughness, and mental toughness have earned him a new fan here in the USA.

 

[therealtimshady]

Not technically a rider but didi the devil

 

[hfer07]

How about him? Belkin is going to regret no having him in the Tour to win stages.....

 

[Afrank]

Two days ago, Normandy suggested that Tony Martin would likely be added to the list and expressed his/her sadness. I was inclined to agree with Normandy on both counts, Martin withdrawing and being sad - as well as hopeful for a complete and speedy recovery.

Tony Martin has shown us all that he is an incredibly tough man and is worthy of everyone's respect, IMO.

To go from losing consciousness twice following a very hard thump on the pavement on Sunday, then finishing with the front group on Tuesday's stage with five categorized climbs is completely amazing. I would be impressed if he had only saddled up and ridden 10k easy today. But, to finish with the front group is one of the greatest feats of recevery frm a serious accident I can recall!

If anyone reading this has access to Martin's direct e-mail or anything else, please let him know his heroic bravery, never-say-quit spirit, physical toughness, and mental toughness have earned him a new fan here in the USA.

+1, Tony could have climbed off the bike when the crash happened and left the race. But he got back on and is pushing through. Definitely earned his spot as one of the pelotons hardmen. Hope he's well enough to help OPQS to a win in tomorrows TTT.

If you want to contact him and tell him that BTW, you can always tweet him
https://twitter.com/tonymartin85

Or contact him through his website.
http://www.tonymartin.de/de/kontakt/kontaktformular.html

 

[Karl Max]

My vote obviously goes to Thor Hushovd, he is the rider made me open my eyes for this sport. Without him I probably would never become such an addict to cycling sport. It was a big disappointment not to see him in this years tour, hopefully he will be back at normal level for next years tour.

 

[Scarlet&Black]

I'm really missing a competitive Cadel Evans.

Of the various multifarious characters who make up the peloton today, Cadel's story is one I feel a lot of empathy for, so some success for him is often hoped for and, increasingly, rarely now evinced.

Is this it for him now? I hope not.