Tour De France 2009

[Biking Mexican]

Figured I would get a Tour thread started for the 3 cycling fans on Wackbag. Looking foward to seeing the Stage 1. Route follows some of the F1 course. And Monaco is just an unbelievable place to see. First week sould be interesting to see if anyone can challenge Cavendish.
And can't wait for this guy...
http://www.channel4.com/news/media/2008/07/week_2/tourdefrance_360.jpg

[BravoSierra]

I'm rooting for Andy Schleck this year. Woulda been Boonen but I guess QuickStep didn't put him on the squad. Too much nose candy I suppose. What I really want is anyone but Lance to win.

[BravoSierra]

Nnnnnnever mind! Velonews.com says Boonen will be racing in the tour. I want to see him beat Cavendish in a final sprint this race too. He would have had Cavendish in the ToC if he would have started sooner. We'll see. I always look forward to the tour, a month straight of cycling. Pretty dope IMO.

[Biking Mexican]

I'm rooting for Andy Schleck this year. Woulda been Boonen but I guess QuickStep didn't put him on the squad. Too much nose candy I suppose. What I really want is anyone but Lance to win.

I can't rip Armstrong. Versus coverage can be too much on him, but I got into the Tour and the sport of cycling because of him. Having said that I don't think he will win. The battle is going to be Contador vs Schleck brothers in the mountains. And I was really glad to see Boonen get in. That fantasic coke head is the man to beat Cavendish.

[Myhairygrundle]

I"m in for this thread.

Armstrong to beat any French faggot. As long as a Frenchman does not win.

After the beating the Euro media gave Lance, fuck them.

[Biking Mexican]

I"m in for this thread.

Armstrong to beat any French faggot. As long as a Frenchman does not win.

After the beating the Euro media gave Lance, fuck them.

Well since it has been 24 years since the last frenchman won it should not be a problem. Although you have to love Hinault, remember a couple of years ago he grabbed a protester and shoved him off the podium.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXLSUpPS6So

[moegolden]

http://www.versus.com/tdfvideos

[moegolden]

you know the economy sucks when Lance Armstrong is riding for a team from Kazakhstan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astana_(cycling_team)).

http://www.geografiya.net/Borat-flag.jpg/Borat-flag-full.jpg

[Buster H]

Nnnnnnever mind! Velonews.com says Boonen will be racing in the tour. I want to see him beat Cavendish in a final sprint this race too. He would have had Cavendish in the ToC if he would have started sooner. We'll see. I always look forward to the tour, a month straight of cycling. Pretty dope IMO.

I was pretty psyched to see Boonen in the race this year. He got robbed at any chance yesterday with that lil snafu on the final turn followed by Columbia ripping apart the peloton in that cross wind today, thus neutralizing everyone but Hushovd. I don't know why, but Boonen has been a favorite of mine since McEwen became invisible in the past few years.

I think that Boonen is the ONLY one that can challenge Cavendish over the whole race. Hushovd seems to have gotten a lil slow and Farrar is a bit to inexperienced, but I still expect each of them to pick up at least a stage before this is all over.


I can't rip Armstrong. Versus coverage can be too much on him, but I got into the Tour and the sport of cycling because of him. Having said that I don't think he will win. The battle is going to be Contador vs Schleck brothers in the mountains. And I was really glad to see Boonen get in. That fantasic coke head is the man to beat Cavendish.
Gotta love the attentiveness of Lance today. I don't know if he has the legs to do it in the mountains or the TT's. He finished pretty low in the first one, but that MAY have been because he went out so early and didn't push himself like he could have knowing the time gaps.

Not a big fan of Contador, but if Lance and Levi fall back in the standings, I will root for the kid. I'm sure he wasn't happy today when Bruyneel sent Popo up to the front of the breakaway for a pull to give Lance some more time.
you know the economy sucks when Lance Armstrong is riding for a team from Kazakhstan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astana_%28cycling_team%29).

http://www.geografiya.net/Borat-flag.jpg/Borat-flag-full.jpg
hahahhah.... During the Giro, there was a problem with Astana not paying the riders... The team even went as far as blurring out the Astana name and logo on their unis.

[mr. sin]

prerace with ben stiller on lances bike
http://www.livestrong.com/lance-armstrong/video/ben-on-lances-tt-bike-before-stage-4/c36bf9fe-c56f-4470-9f81-f2565a078836/



http://www.livestrong.com/lance-armstrong/video/stage-4-reaction-with-lance/7475892a-a31b-4a72-bb07-97a4ea34436b/

[Biking Mexican]

Great stage. Glad they put the team TT back in. It flipped the standings. People can hate Lance all they want, that was a great effort by Astana. I was not really pulling for him at the start, but how can you not. Can't wait for the mountains.

[bobawood]

After all said and done, I still think Armstrong is in a good shape and has a good chance to win.

[Myhairygrundle]

Lance should piss on the judges at the end of each stage in case they need a sample to test....


I hope he wins by a large margin.

[Buster H]

They already piss tested lance this morning..... go figure...

I'm watching with nervous trepidation. God I hope the guy has the legs today

[Buster H]

fuck contador

[Buster H]

Well, Lance proved he's got the legs to hang with the big boys. Contador really showed his strength with that burst of speed.

I have a feeling that it's gonna come down to the time trials between him and Lance to determine who gets the win in Paris

[Biking Mexican]

Well, Lance proved he's got the legs to hang with the big boys. Contador really showed his strength with that burst of speed.

I have a feeling that it's gonna come down to the time trials between him and Lance to determine who gets the win in Paris

Contador is ridiculous. He jumped out of the saddle and was gone. I hate to go along with everybody else, but come on the guy flies up mountains. I still want to see Lance, Levi, and Vandle Velde do well, but that lil Spanish bastard is great.

I'm completely dedicated now to one day get my bike to France and climb one of the Tour mountains. Alpe d'huez, Tourmalet, or Ventoux would be a dream. I don't care if it takes hours to do one, to say I have done it would be a great story.

[Buster H]

I question the move though. Bruyneel is a master of tactics.

Did he allow Contador to attack because in the end, they are gonna stick with Lance and they were giving him a chance to get yellow?

Do they know that Lance doesn't quite "have it" and they wanted Contador to solidfy his lead?

Do they know Lance will make up that time in the next TT or were they afraid Contador would loose a ton of time in the TT on his rivals?

Did Contador disobey orders and decide to attack anyway?

It just seems weird that he would put on an attack like that when he already had a decent lead on everyone else in the pack. Johan normally doesn't have his guys blow energy like that when it isn't needed. There's obviously a reason. We just don't know what it is yet.



I am right there with you. I would love to go to France and climb Huez or Ventoux. You should look into the Etape du Tour race. I almost did it in 2003. You basically ride a full mountain stage 2 days before the pros do it. There are thousands of people that do it each year and there are travel companies that offer tours that include a guaranteed spot in the race.

[Buster H]

Just mentioned in the first 30 seconds of the coverage today that it appears that Contador went off the game plan. If that is the case...... I am sure Bruyneel ripped him a new fucking asshole.

[AngryHugo]

Just mentioned in the first 30 seconds of the coverage today that it appears that Contador went off the game plan. If that is the case...... I am sure Bruyneel ripped him a new fucking asshole.

if Bruyneel did tear into Contador, it's a shame. he had the legs yesterday, and Lance didn't. Alberto shouldn't have to hold back because it'll hurt Lance's massive ego.

[Buster H]

if Bruyneel did tear into Contador, it's a shame. he had the legs yesterday, and Lance didn't. Alberto shouldn't have to hold back because it'll hurt Lance's massive ego.
Agreed, but I'm not sure it was due to lance's ego or that he didn't want him to expend so much energy for only 20 seconds.


Then again, like i have posted before, there is something about Contador that I don't like. If he is the Astana leader, I will root for him, but I still don't like him:icon_wink

[AngryHugo]

Then again, like i have posted before, there is something about Contador that I don't like. If he is the Astana leader, I will root for him, but I still don't like him:icon_wink

I feel the same way about Lance :D

[Buster H]

I feel the same way about Lance :D

hehehe... I know:p

The other part about it is we don't know if Lance had the legs or not. If they had a plan and Contador went away from it, the whole team would have sat there and said "WTF" It would have been silly for anyone else on the same team to try to counter an attack from their own teammate



edit: they just mentioned your boy Ricardo Ricco.... lol

[AngryHugo]

I am right there with you. I would love to go to France and climb Huez or Ventoux. You should look into the Etape du Tour race. I almost did it in 2003. You basically ride a full mountain stage 2 days before the pros do it. There are thousands of people that do it each year and there are travel companies that offer tours that include a guaranteed spot in the race.

My old cycling coach did that and rode l'Alpe and said it was nuts. Seeing all the names and junk painted on the road was amazing for him. Go check it out if you can. I'm hoping to get to Belgium next spring to ride some cobbles.

[Buster H]

My old cycling coach did that and rode l'Alpe and said it was nuts. Seeing all the names and junk painted on the road was amazing for him. Go check it out if you can. I'm hoping to get to Belgium next spring to ride some cobbles.
OOOooOOOoooOOOoo. Now that sounds like fun!

[Buster H]

glad to see that Thor picked up the green. I like Cavendish, but it's nice to see the jersey get passed around a bit. Makes the sprints more interesting!

[Biking Mexican]

That view, when they came to the summit of the Tourmalet, was frightening. It looked like they were riding off the edge of the mountain.

[Buster H]

Cavendish is unbelievable!


I was surprised to see Boonen finishing WAAAAY in the middle of the pack. Looks like he just doesn't have it this year.

[mr. sin]

Cavendish is unbelievable!


I was surprised to see Boonen finishing WAAAAY in the middle of the pack. Looks like he just doesn't have it this year.


i am sure the crash from a few days ago is still bothering him

[Buster H]

Cavendish prooves he is the man again..... wow... just wow.


I'm looking forward to the Alps..... The Pryenees pretty much sucked this year because there was too much of a runout after the final climb of the day on most of them...

The mountain top finish at Ventoux on the penultimate stage is going to be really interesting!!

[Jimmy's Dignity]

This is me not caring....where's Lance?

[Buster H]

This is me not caring....where's Lance?
He's still in 3rd and probably wont change until we get into the mountains again..... that's Friday, but I wouldn't expect much until Sunday or Tuesday because Sat is another semi-flat stage.

[BravoSierra]

Kinda digging the whole "no radio" rule.

Oh yeah, and what the fuck is up with Cavendish wearing his green glasses when he didn't even have the green jersey on? Whadda tool.

[mr. sin]

Kinda digging the whole "no radio" rule.

Oh yeah, and what the fuck is up with Cavendish wearing his green glasses when he didn't even have the green jersey on? Whadda tool.

that is called confidence! tool!

[mr. sin]

where is the vid of the old woman getting run over by the police bike! i wanna see a vid!

[Biking Mexican]

Went out of town this weekend and it took 2 days to get caught up. I think it is pretty clear who the climbers are. Saxo sprints up the last climb and Contador still has enough left to take off. Armstrong hung in there, but looked his age. Kinda sad being an older gentleman myself.

[BravoSierra]

Tomorrow..... Andy Schleck will actually make his move. I promise. That boy is going to take it! I wish Frank Schleck would have caught up to his brother just to see two fellas helping eachother up the hill. Woulda been cool to see. I'm soooooo hoping Saxo Bank takes yellow again, it'll make me create some jizzm in my pants.

[Garyisajoke]

If I were in the Tour De France, I'd roll with baseball cards in my spokes... you know, for intimidation.

[BravoSierra]

If someone put spoke cards in their wheel it would be pretty fucking funny. Total hipster style. But baseball cards that flap around will cause a shit ton of drag.

[BravoSierra]

My ex wife got hit by a car on her bike today. Fucked the bike up from what I hear (haven't seen it yet) but she lost a shoe. Came right out of 'em.... Ant was right. Shoes are the first to go.

[mr. sin]

lance armstrongs new team is

TEAM RADIO SHACK

maybe johnny 5 will ride for them

www.teamradioshack.com

http://www.cyclingfans.com/node/433

[BravoSierra]

Ew.

[mr. sin]

If I were in the Tour De France, I'd roll with baseball cards in my spokes... you know, for intimidation.

dont forget to add these to your bike!

direct link
http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/ecomm/graphics/PR_102_MN.gif
http://www.henandhammock.co.uk/ecomm/graphics/PR_102_MN.gif

direct link
http://www.gettysburgflag.com/images/BikeFlagChild.jpg
http://www.gettysburgflag.com/images/BikeFlagChild.jpg

these for the faggotry!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/626158998_315ae07cd8.jpg?v=0

link
http://mysite.verizon.net/resoyfa9/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/stuntpegs.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/resoyfa9/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/stuntpegs.jpg

[Buster H]

Still been watch, just haven't had the time to post.

Contador is f'ing amazing. I still don't like him, but I gotta give that kid credit. He has been tearing away as if everyone else is riding on lead bikes.


Lance has been pretty surprising too. I kept holding out hope that he still had the legs in the mountains, but at least he's still shelling out a respectable performance.

I'd love to see an all Astana podium, but the Shleck bro's deserve a spot there.

[Biking Mexican]

Still been watch, just haven't had the time to post.

Contador is f'ing amazing. I still don't like him, but I gotta give that kid credit. He has been tearing away as if everyone else is riding on lead bikes.


Lance has been pretty surprising too. I kept holding out hope that he still had the legs in the mountains, but at least he's still shelling out a respectable performance.

I'd love to see an all Astana podium, but the Shleck bro's deserve a spot there.

x2 on Contador. I liked the kid at the start, but after that bullshit move on the last climb he lost me. It looked like he was team mates with Saxo after ditching Kloden. Now having said that, the guy is by far the strongest rider. Saturday should be great.

[Buster H]

well, it's over. Lance looked great this year. He looked better than I had feared if that makes any sense.

I wonder who he is taking with him to RadioShack? I would be surprised if Johan isn't there. Especially since Astana doesn't want him back after blurring out the logos in the Giro.

My overall guess so far is this:

Team Director: Bruyneel
Riders:
Lance
Popovych


I also wouldn't be surprised if Hincape shows up too

[Biking Mexican]

well, it's over. Lance looked great this year. He looked better than I had feared if that makes any sense.

I wonder who he is taking with him to RadioShack? I would be surprised if Johan isn't there. Especially since Astana doesn't want him back after blurring out the logos in the Giro.

My overall guess so far is this:

Team Director: Bruyneel
Riders:
Lance
Popovych


I also wouldn't be surprised if Hincape shows up too

If that is the case they better have their eyes on alot of kids. Lance will be 38, George 37, and Popo 30.
Radioshack seems like an odd sponser. They have been in financial trouble over the last couple of years. Their stock price is worth half of what it was in 2007. I can't believe this recession has been kind to them. Just wonder if this could be another sponser that can't pay up.

[mr. sin]

hmm my ideas would be

lance
levi
george
cavendish
martin ----maybe
horner
kloden -----maybe
taylor phinney -----kid has skills on the bike! just needs to get healthy after what happen this week!

i cant come up with any other names

[Buster H]

hmm my ideas would be

lance
levi
george
cavendish
martin ----maybe
horner
kloden -----maybe
taylor phinney -----kid has skills on the bike! just needs to get healthy after what happen this week!

i cant come up with any other names
I doubt they would even want Cavendish. He's a great sprinter, but that would burn up the team's legs chasing down breakaways on the flat stages. If you notice, rarely does a team have a guy in the top 3 for the green jersey AND GC.

I was thinking Horner, Kloden and Levi too, but I don't know about their contracts.

[mr. sin]

I doubt they would even want Cavendish. He's a great sprinter, but that would burn up the team's legs chasing down breakaways on the flat stages. If you notice, rarely does a team have a guy in the top 3 for the green jersey AND GC.

I was thinking Horner, Kloden and Levi too, but I don't know about their contracts.

a tdf team is what 20 deep? or 15?

[Buster H]

a tdf team is what 20 deep? or 15?
A "team" consists of 20-30 riders. For example, Astana has 27 guys listed on their team website.

For the TDF, teams bring 9 riders. That's it.