Might as well get this up now, in case people are wanting discussion before we kick off on Saturday night, 9:30 on your SBS1.

Running from Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 26th 2015, the 102th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,360 kilometres.

9 flat stages
3 hilly stages
7 mountain stages including 5 summit finishes
1 individual time trial
1 team time trial
2 rest days

http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2015/us/overall-route.html

Cheers & best wishes for le Tour and all who sail in her!

My prediction is that a drug cheat will win

“Running from Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 26th 2015…”

—-

I thought they were cycling, not running.

Dropbear said:

My prediction is that a drug cheat will win

Funnily enough, Mr Froome (a favourite to win) missed a drug test the other day while on holiday…

Full teams & riders startlist:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/11693097/Tour-de-France-2015-teams-and-riders.html

Even if you cheat and win it’s still a monumental effort by the winner

Seems to be popular on the forum, never tried to get into it. What are the attractions?

AwesomeO said:

Seems to be popular on the forum, never tried to get into it. What are the attractions?

There’s a hell of a lot of strategy, danger, achievement, nail-biting tension, elation, fame and fortune… It’s the most widely watched sporting event in the world (by a wide margin).

Rule 303 said:

AwesomeO said:

Seems to be popular on the forum, never tried to get into it. What are the attractions?

There’s a hell of a lot of strategy, danger, achievement, nail-biting tension, elation, fame and fortune… It’s the most widely watched sporting event in the world (by a wide margin).

Easily accessable though? Can you pick it up I mean.

AwesomeO said:

Seems to be popular on the forum, never tried to get into it. What are the attractions?

spandex

drinking of water furiously from bottle

AwesomeO said:

Easily accessable though? Can you pick it up I mean.

SBS have a fantastic team of commentators, who make it fairly simple to pick up the important stuff. Like any sport, there’s lots of subtlety and history and specialised knowledge, but you can enjoy it while you’re learning.

wookiemeister said:

spandex

drinking of water furiously from bottle

Like, for example, the Spandex is usually called Lycra, which comes is jerseys, knicks, bib-knicks and gilletes. The padding in the seat is usually called Chamois, although it’s rarely chamois leather.

And the bottles are called Bidons, some of which contain water, some contain electrolyte replacement drinks.

And so on…

I watch I for the pelotons

AwesomeO said:

Seems to be popular on the forum, never tried to get into it. What are the attractions?

Just cosy long nights of following a very long bike race through the French countryside and lots of little towns, with very pleasing camera-work and various more exciting moments (breakaways that might actually win a stage, all the jostling between the favourites, the sprints at the end of each stage, various unexpected dramas etc). With pleasant commentary from Englanders Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen. And the little food spot with Gabriel Gaté which I like but some HFers hate because they’re full of hate :)

Rule 303 said:

wookiemeister said:

spandex

drinking of water furiously from bottle

Like, for example, the Spandex is usually called Lycra, which comes is jerseys, knicks, bib-knicks and gilletes. The padding in the seat is usually called Chamois, although it’s rarely chamois leather.

And the bottles are called Bidons, some of which contain water, some contain electrolyte replacement drinks.

And so on…

I am betting the chamois is alcantra.

mainly its a tour of the French countryside by air

Bubblecar said:

And the little food spot with Gabriel Gaté which I like but some HFers hate because he’s the most annoying man ever in the history of television :)

(fixed)

Rule 303 said:

AwesomeO said:

Easily accessable though? Can you pick it up I mean.

SBS have a fantastic team of commentators, who make it fairly simple to pick up the important stuff. Like any sport, there’s lots of subtlety and history and specialised knowledge, but you can enjoy it while you’re learning.

…amd then they have Gabriel Gaté :)

sibeen said:

Rule 303 said:

AwesomeO said:

Easily accessable though? Can you pick it up I mean.

SBS have a fantastic team of commentators, who make it fairly simple to pick up the important stuff. Like any sport, there’s lots of subtlety and history and specialised knowledge, but you can enjoy it while you’re learning.

…amd then they have Gabriel Gaté :)

DAMM Too slow.

sibeen said:

sibeen said:

Rule 303 said:

SBS have a fantastic team of commentators, who make it fairly simple to pick up the important stuff. Like any sport, there’s lots of subtlety and history and specialised knowledge, but you can enjoy it while you’re learning.

…amd then they have Gabriel Gaté :)

DAMM Too slow.

TWSS…

AwesomeO said:

I am betting the chamois is alcantra.

Nah, these days it’s a engineered synthetic shaped padding made of several layers of different materials, with a variety properties, and anti-septic treatments and such.

AwesomeO said:

Seems to be popular on the forum, never tried to get into it. What are the attractions?

The scenery. The castles and chateaus and cathedrals and what-not. Some parts really are beautiful.

The Rules are journeying to Clunes to watch Stage One with Train Man MrsRule’sMum on Saturday night. Then he and MrsRule’sMum are heading to France for a look around, and to watch the end of the final stage from the stands on the Champs-Élysées.

Some people take the whole thing terrible serious.

;-)

one more sleep…

Are you fitter and better prepared this year?

Peak Warming Man said:

Are you fitter and better prepared this year?

No, But I’ll still make it to Paris.

party_pants said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Are you fitter and better prepared this year?

No, But I’ll still make it to Paris.

one night in Paris?…

(and have the video to prove it?…)

party_pants said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Are you fitter and better prepared this year?

No, But I’ll still make it to Paris.

ORLY?

captain_spalding said:

party_pants said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Are you fitter and better prepared this year?

No, But I’ll still make it to Paris.

ORLY?

LOL, that’s where he’ll land.

party_pants said:

one more sleep…

I’ve decided that “strawberries & cheese” is going to be my main supper theme for this year’s Tour. As long as our IGA doesn’t run out of fresh strawberries.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

one more sleep…

I’ve decided that “strawberries & cheese” is going to be my main supper theme for this year’s Tour. As long as our IGA doesn’t run out of fresh strawberries.

Maybe if they were tart strawberries. Otherwise sweet and cheese, nahh. I have some very nice smoked cheddar at the moment which I eat with rice crackers. I am learning that small things make a difference like letting the cheese sit outside the fridge for a while.

Yes, odd combination.

AwesomeO said:

Maybe if they were tart strawberries. Otherwise sweet and cheese, nahh. I have some very nice smoked cheddar at the moment which I eat with rice crackers. I am learning that small things make a difference like letting the cheese sit outside the fridge for a while.

These new season strawberries aren’t very sweet but aren’t intrusively tart either. They have a fresh, clean and slightly acidic taste that combines with their juiciness and “crisp” texture to provide a fine accompaniment to many types of cheese. At the moment I’m enjoying them with crumbly Lancashire-style cheese (itself pleasingly acidic) but will buy various other nice cheese tomorrow when I do my first batch of Tour supper shopping. And lots more strawberries.

>letting the cheese sit outside the fridge for a while

Yes, cheese is always at its best at a warmish room temperature. Which is why at this time of the year I always put the evening’s cheese in the room that’s currently being heated.

party_pants said:

Yes, odd combination.

And yet you’d be familiar with, for example, strawberry cheesecake and strawberries and cream. Strawberries + dairy is an anciently popular combination. Enjoying them with interesting cheeses is just a matter of being mildly gastronomically adventurous :)

Tatsy cheese + strawberry jam on toast/bread aint bad.

• Tatsy cheese + strawberry jam on toast/bread aint bad.

You’re weird…

poikilotherm said:

Tatsy cheese + strawberry jam on toast/bread aint bad.

My Nana liked that as a treat. She’s dead now so be careful.

>They have a fresh, clean and slightly acidic taste that combines with their juiciness and “crisp” texture to provide a fine accompaniment to many types of cheese.

The plump red strawberries next to the yellow cheese are also visually very appealing. I’ll doubtless take some snaps as le Tour unfolds.

…strawberries & mild creamy cheeses like camembert and brie are also obvious favourites.

Good to see the UCI making sure drug cheat teams are punished…

Are we ready to Tour?

Bubblecar said:

Are we ready to Tour?

You betcha Unca Bubblecar!

They’re right, this place is dying.

;)

I’m watching the footy for the next half hour or so.

Watching live at the Apollo sorry.

Fine, be like that.

• They’re right, this place is dying.

Nah, just that bikes don’t enthuse everyone…

Bubblecar said:

Fine, be like that.

All right then, I will.

Bubblecar said:

Are we ready to Tour?

Indeed, I’ve got my drugs and I’ve got my denials, so we are set.

Ok, footy is off now.

I’m on for Le Tour.

Unusual to be starting with a time trial.

party_pants said:

Ok, footy is off now.

I’m on for Le Tour.

Tme trials are about as exciting as the grass growing.

Ok, I have seen Prometheus before so I will give this french Lycra fest a go.

Bubblecar said:

Unusual to be starting with a time trial.

I was hoping for a nice long flat road stage.

Ah well, there’s lots of sorting of boxes to do if I get bored.

AwesomeO said:

Ok, I have seen Prometheus before so I will give this french Lycra fest a go.

It will be a boring one tonight. Time trial – each rider against the clock – they start off a minute or so apart. So no great scenery or race tactics.

It’s the only individual time trial of the Tour, but very questionable to kick the whole thing off with a technical stage like this.

Well this is underwhelming. Are the bikes locked into configurations and lay outs? No room for fairings or reclining types?

AwesomeO said:

Well this is underwhelming. Are the bikes locked into configurations and lay outs? No room for fairings or reclining types?

yeah, it is a bit of a let-down. This isn’t the proper part of the racing yet.

Porte off.

AwesomeO said:

Well this is underwhelming. Are the bikes locked into configurations and lay outs? No room for fairings or reclining types?

Don’t judge the Tour by a stage like this. The race proper doesn’t really start until tomorrow. Don’t know why they decided to start with a time trial (which are usually tucked away after many more interesting stages). Maybe they thought it might be a good way to introduce each rider but it’s not a good introduction to the Tour.

Bubblecar said:

It’s the only individual time trial of the Tour, but very questionable to kick the whole thing off with a technical stage like this.

I agree. The French obviously couldn’t arrange bugger all. I’d take Le Tour de France off them.

sibeen said:

I agree. The French obviously couldn’t arrange bugger all. I’d take Le Tour de France off them.

Russia for 2018 and Qatar for 2022?

Ooo, Dennis may get the yellow.

Our Dennis.

Aussie Rohan Dennis with an impressive ride inside 15 minutes, may well win the trial.

So…the magazine at work, the Tour de France one…..some dude got so excited by the free pair of bright yellow socks that comes with it.. I felt sorry for him.

kii said:

So…the magazine at work, the Tour de France one…..some dude got so excited by the free pair of bright yellow socks that comes with it.. I felt sorry for him.

Maybe he’s never owned a pair of yellow socks before.

I used to wear colourful socks as a child but they’re nearly always black these days.

kii said:

So…the magazine at work, the Tour de France one…..some dude got so excited by the free pair of bright yellow socks that comes with it.. I felt sorry for him.

I think I’d be excited too.

I won $56 when I checked my lotto ticket this morning. Bought 2 new tickets and still got change. I was as excited as Big Kev.

Yeah, but you’re weird, p_p.

kii said:

Yeah, but you’re weird, p_p.

I like free stuff :)

kii said:

So…the magazine at work, the Tour de France one…..some dude got so excited by the free pair of bright yellow socks that comes with it.. I felt sorry for him.

Luckily it wasn’t a free hanky. The freight rates Bubbles would have had to pay to corner the consignment may have kept him out of booze for a month.

Was looking forward to a tasty supper but I overdid dinner so still don’t feel tempted. Maybe in another hour.

Piss off, you tulip muncher.

sibeen said:

Piss off, you tulip muncher.

We like the Dutch in this house.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Piss off, you tulip muncher.

We like the Dutch in this house.

“We”?

dv said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Piss off, you tulip muncher.

We like the Dutch in this house.

“We”?

When there’s no ambivalence involved, it’s fair to speak of a collective liking.

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Bubblecar said:

We like the Dutch in this house.

“We”?

When there’s no ambivalence involved, it’s fair to speak of a collective liking.

What if there is ambivalence involved?

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

“We”?

When there’s no ambivalence involved, it’s fair to speak of a collective liking.

What if there is ambivalence involved?

Then it’s not fair to speak of a collective liking.

Piss off, you chocolate muncher.

There could be an ambulance involved

Looks like Dennis is home & dry now. Excellent result for an Australian rider.

Oz in yellow on the first day of le Tour, with a TDF record individual time trial.

Well that was an unexpectedly enjoyable time trial. Back on with the proper Tour tomorrow.

Map for tonight’s stage, which promises to be hot & windy:

Bubblecar said:

Map for tonight’s stage, which promises to be hot & windy:

There’s cobblestones tonight, is there not?

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Map for tonight’s stage, which promises to be hot & windy:

There’s cobblestones tonight, is there not?

Haven’t seen any mention of cobbles, but there’s a variety of road surfaces so there might be. Should be quite spectacular in places, crossing dykes & dams etc.

Bubblecar said:

Map for tonight’s stage, which promises to be hot & windy:

!http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/sites/sbs.com.au.cyclingcentral/files/styles/body_image/public/tdf15_et02_carte_etape_v3_sans_rav.jpg?itok=A3hgjXJ3&mtime=1436068058

At least they’ve found a way out of Utrecht.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Map for tonight’s stage, which promises to be hot & windy:

There’s cobblestones tonight, is there not?

That’s stage 4 I think.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Map for tonight’s stage, which promises to be hot & windy:

There’s cobblestones tonight, is there not?

Haven’t seen any mention of cobbles, but there’s a variety of road surfaces so there might be. Should be quite spectacular in places, crossing dykes & dams etc.

Bikes on dykes…it’ll be like the Mardi Gras in reverse

Neophyte said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

There’s cobblestones tonight, is there not?

Haven’t seen any mention of cobbles, but there’s a variety of road surfaces so there might be. Should be quite spectacular in places, crossing dykes & dams etc.

Bikes on dykes…it’ll be like the Mardi Gras in reverse

Ha.

Neophyte said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

There’s cobblestones tonight, is there not?

Haven’t seen any mention of cobbles, but there’s a variety of road surfaces so there might be. Should be quite spectacular in places, crossing dykes & dams etc.

Bikes on dykes…it’ll be like the Mardi Gras in reverse

Yes yes.. This joke is on point

Just a reminder that we’re starting an hour earlier tonight (8:30).

Double brie, crumbly Lancashire and a punnet of strawberries are now out of the fridge to reach room temperature.

No Gabriel Gaté, yet the race from the start.

Woe is me!

You’d best turn on now, Curve; they are really hammering.

sibeen said:

You’d best turn on now, Curve; they are really hammering.

Drunken histories first.

sibeen said:

No Gabriel Gaté, yet the race from the start.

Woe is me!

They did have Gabriel, you missed him. Delicious seafood.

95% chance of a thunderstorm during this race. It’s going to be interesting.

I suspect the riders are really enjoying the start of this section of the race. Especially Dennis. He’ll feast on this memory for many years.

Just heard my first Aussie, Aussie, Aussie of the race.

How embarrassment.

Now they’re playing the Brisbane theme song, except they seem to have fucked up the lyrics somehow.

sibeen said:

Just heard my first Aussie, Aussie, Aussie of the race.

How embarrassment.

Bloody Austrians.

Only three Americans in this year’s Tour.

Max altitude for the race 6 metres.

:)

Why did that bloke give the other bloke a push on the back?

sibeen said:

Max altitude for the race 6 metres.

:)

Ha.

I remember now.

SBS on Demand is more or less live and about the same as the TV. It was the SBS Tour app that was 3 or 4 minutes behind. Just downloaded and installed this year’s app on my tablet, and it’s still the same.

Cheese & strawberry supper about to be served.

sibeen said:

Max altitude for the race 6 metres.

:)

They’re riding from Frankston to Melbourne?

;-)

AwesomeO said:

Why did that bloke give the other bloke a push on the back?

Do they drop below sea level at any stage?

Bubblecar said:

Cheese & strawberry supper about to be served.

Is that the royal doulton with hand painted periwinkles?

AwesomeO said:

Why did that bloke give the other bloke a push on the back?

I didn’t see it, I was typing up a post.

Rule 303 said:

sibeen said:

Max altitude for the race 6 metres.

:)

They’re riding from Frankston to Melbourne?

;-)

Hors catégorie.

party_pants said:

AwesomeO said:

Why did that bloke give the other bloke a push on the back?

Do they drop below sea level at any stage?

Quite a few times.

AwesomeO said:

Bubblecar said:

Cheese & strawberry supper about to be served.

!http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/bubcar9/aTourSuppa_zpsmv5wnetb.jpg

Is that the royal doulton with hand painted periwinkles?

The birdy stuff is Palissy (Royal Worcester) Game Series.

Phil & Paul kick in.

Impressive rocket.

They’re making creative use of their liquid resources.

I don’t think I’ll be putting a flat white onto my bald pate.

Anyone wanna give me 3:2 on Quintana?

I can’t believe that Voeckler isn’t in that break away group, hanging his tongue out, making funny faces and getting caught right at the end.

It’s hardly Le Tour without it.

Another rocket, although it didn’t seem to be moving much.

sibeen said:

I can’t believe that Voeckler isn’t in that break away group, hanging his tongue out, making funny faces and getting caught right at the end.

It’s hardly Le Tour without it.

He’ll be doing that when there’s more than 6 metres to climb.

sibeen said:

Another rocket, although it didn’t seem to be moving much.

At least they aren’t blowing up. Quality northern European engineering.

It really is water, water, everywhere.

A farmer’s dream.

Rule 303 said:

Anyone wanna give me 3:2 on Quintana?

Those winds that are coming through could make it a tad of a lottery.

Those winds that are coming through could make it a tad of a lottery.

what?

ChrispenEvan said:

Those winds that are coming through could make it a tad of a lottery.

what?

It’s getting windy.

This makes bike riding difficult.

As such, the result of the race may be a bit of a coin toss.

Any other questions?

Quintana is a climber, whereas this is a stage favoured for the sprinters. But as sibeen points out, the weather may make it anyone’s guess :)

Rule 303 said:

Anyone wanna give me 3:2 on Quintana?

Overall

A vast majority wearing their anoraks at the finish line.

Should be fun.

sibeen said:

A vast majority wearing their anoraks at the finish line.

Should be fun.

Plenty of time for the weather to improve a bit.

Time to brew a pot of coffee.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

A vast majority wearing their anoraks at the finish line.

Should be fun.

Plenty of time for the weather to improve a bit.

Time to brew a pot of coffee.

I’ve just opened a red. There was only two stubbies left in the fridge, so measures were required.

A nice white with the cheeses, but now I’m starting to nod off, so coffee is called for.

Just how many windmills are there in Holland? Still ain’t seen a pair of clogs, but.

Woodie said:

Just how many windmills are there in Holland? Still ain’t seen a pair of clogs, but.

1,024,217.

Most of the windmills seem to have their brakes on.

Where’s the yellow jersey?

Bubblecar said:

Where’s the yellow jersey?

He’s still up the front.

Bubblecar said:

Where’s the yellow jersey?

Safe, for the moment.

sibeen said:

Woodie said:

Just how many windmills are there in Holland? Still ain’t seen a pair of clogs, but.

1,024,217.

That’s a lotta wind. :)

Woodie said:

sibeen said:

Woodie said:

Just how many windmills are there in Holland? Still ain’t seen a pair of clogs, but.

1,024,217.

That’s a lotta wind. :)

That’s what SWMBO whinges about quite often.

Quintana struggling in these conditions.

Weather’s now improving.

Woodie said:

Just how many windmills are there in Holland? Still ain’t seen a pair of clogs, but.

You need this song..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcR3U77nPv4

That’s gonna drive me crazy all day :/

Looks like Cavendish has had a crash at a most inopportune time. I suspect his chances of winning the race have gone downhill.

Inside 10km now.

sibeen said:

Looks like Cavendish has had a crash at a most inopportune time. I suspect his chances of winning the race have gone downhill.

There’s nothing downhill about it at all.

Conditions now mild at the finishing line.

Greipel wins the stage, Quintana well behind now for the Tour.

Bubblecar said:

Greipel wins the stage, Quintana well behind now for the Tour.

Aye, I was thinking about taking Rule up on his bet :)

Cancellara now in overall lead.

Some serious climbing towards the end of tonight’s Stage:

>The first serious climb of this year’s race is really rather serious indeed. Just 1.3km in length, the Mur de Huy more than makes up for it with an average gradient of 9.6 per cent, reaching a leg-crunching maximum gradient of 19 per cent in the final few hundred metres.

Aficionados will recognise it from the Flèche Wallonne one-day Classic, where it’s tackled by the men’s event three times during the second half of the race. The Tour might only be tackling it once, at the finish, but it will have a similar effect on the riders as the multiple ascents: after three tough days of racing, this is going to be a real test.

>Mur de Huy

It’s pronounced ‘Murder Hoy!’

Actually more like Murder Hwe.

settles into comfy chair

party_pants said:

settles into comfy chair

I thought you’d be riding your exercise bike while watching the Tour, so you can pretend you’re actually in it.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

settles into comfy chair

I thought you’d be riding your exercise bike while watching the Tour, so you can pretend you’re actually in it.

I’ve just done a stint. it hurt.

Didn’t even do the recommended half hour, only did 20-ish. I did 10 minutes at lowest setting, then 5 minutes on second, then 3 minutes on third etc, ending with a quick 30 second burst on 6th. Was very painful in the knees, need to build up slowly. I lost about 6 kg while I was ill and it’s going to take a while to build that back up.

So what will tonight’s special be? WIndmills, dykes or chateaux?

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

settles into comfy chair

I thought you’d be riding your exercise bike while watching the Tour, so you can pretend you’re actually in it.

I’ve just done a stint. it hurt.

Didn’t even do the recommended half hour, only did 20-ish. I did 10 minutes at lowest setting, then 5 minutes on second, then 3 minutes on third etc, ending with a quick 30 second burst on 6th. Was very painful in the knees, need to build up slowly. I lost about 6 kg while I was ill and it’s going to take a while to build that back up.

then what you need is the Bubblcar diet…

6 kilos in 6 days… it’s the unique blend of late night carbs and saturated fats, washed down with a robust red, that makes it something truly special…

Woodie said:

So what will tonight’s special be? WIndmills, dykes or chateaux?

Hills.

Bubblecar said:

Woodie said:

So what will tonight’s special be? WIndmills, dykes or chateaux?

Hills.

I was hoping for clogs.

Woodie said:

So what will tonight’s special be? WIndmills, dykes or chateaux?

Belgian tractors.

diddly-squat said:

then what you need is the Bubblcar diet…

6 kilos in 6 days… it’s the unique blend of late night carbs and saturated fats, washed down with a robust red, that makes it something truly special…

As it happens I’m on the wagon for the next week or so.

kii said:

I was hoping for clogs.

Passing through farmland so we might spot a few hogs in clogs.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

settles into comfy chair

I thought you’d be riding your exercise bike while watching the Tour, so you can pretend you’re actually in it.

Have you been riding laps around the village in bright lycra as a tribute to Le Tour?

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

settles into comfy chair

I thought you’d be riding your exercise bike while watching the Tour, so you can pretend you’re actually in it.

Have you been riding laps around the village in bright lycra as a tribute to Le Tour?

Given my current shape, it would have to be maternity lycra.

Bubblecar said:

Given my current shape, it would have to be maternity lycra.

Ack! Now I have to scrub my eyes with Lysol (no Dettol available :( )

Some very pretty farmland.

Summary: Greece may enter Russia’s sphere of influence

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/02/opinions/ashford-greece-security-implications/index.html

Mass carnage.

Cancellara down amongst many other riders.

Race has been stopped.

Race has been restarted.

Bandaids? Need Bandaids?

kii said:

Bandaids? Need Bandaids?

Ambulances more like.

Race is now being stopped at the foot of the first climb, apparently. Seems the stage might be cancelled.

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

Bandaids? Need Bandaids?

Ambulances more like.

Oh dear :/

Several riders have been forced to abandon.

Still not sure what’s going on. It’s a “neutralisation”, which means they may restart once everyone’s calmed down.

Bubblecar said:

Race has been stopped.

Great excuse for a wee stop.

All waiting to restart now. Apart from those who’ve been carted away.

Google gave me this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to6pM7wes34

My eyes hurt watching that sea of bicycles go past :/

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

Race has been stopped.

Great excuse for a wee stop.

Maybe a quick bevvie or two in the pub as well.

watches replay OUCH!

Woodie said:

watches replay OUCH!

I wanna watch a replay!!

Woodie said:

watches replay OUCH!

50kph pile up, not nice.

Race back on but neutralised until they’ve climbed the first summit.

Three abandons including Simon Gerrans.

kii said:

Woodie said:

watches replay OUCH!

I wanna watch a replay!!

Isn’t it on cable ESPN or something there, Aunty Kii?

Woodie said:

kii said:

Woodie said:

watches replay OUCH!

I wanna watch a replay!!

Isn’t it on cable ESPN or something there, Aunty Kii?

Oh, you mean turn the teev on?

*looks horrified *

Now four abandons so far.

Nasty.

She’s a cruel mistress, the cycling game. One can’t help but wonder how much of it is chance, how much performance.

I guess reclining bikes are banned?

Rule 303 said:

Nasty.

She’s a cruel mistress, the cycling game. One can’t help but wonder how much of it is chance, how much performance.

and how much performance enhancing drugs… oh wait, they got rid of that didn’t they?

Rule 303 said:

Nasty.

She’s a cruel mistress, the cycling game. One can’t help but wonder how much of it is chance, how much performance.

I don’t get how somone, riding on a straight bit of road, just decides to have a stack – they couldn’t be that fatigued already, could they.

poikilotherm said:

I don’t get how somone, riding on a straight bit of road, just decides to have a stack – they couldn’t be that fatigued already, could they.

Touched the wheel in front if him. Only takes the tiniest touch and you’re high-siding into the bitumen at full speed.

Rule 303 said:

poikilotherm said:

I don’t get how somone, riding on a straight bit of road, just decides to have a stack – they couldn’t be that fatigued already, could they.

Touched the wheel in front if him. Only takes the tiniest touch and you’re high-siding into the bitumen at full speed.

I’d expect shenanigans like that later in the tour when the riders are fatigued, you don’t need to be that close for drafting all the time.

poikilotherm said:

I’d expect shenanigans like that later in the tour when the riders are fatigued, you don’t need to be that close for drafting all the time.

Human systems fail. People stuff things up. We’re not robots.

poikilotherm said:

Rule 303 said:

Nasty.

She’s a cruel mistress, the cycling game. One can’t help but wonder how much of it is chance, how much performance.

I don’t get how somone, riding on a straight bit of road, just decides to have a stack – they couldn’t be that fatigued already, could they.

errors happen… in your case it’s missing an é’… in their case, they are surrounded by 40 other bikes.. small things turn into big ythings rather quickly…

stumpy_seahorse said:

small things turn into big ythings rather quickly…

I watched the bloke next to me wheel himself (on the bike in front) at 53 km/hr on the Geelong Freeway a few years ago. I managed to get out of the way, but about 50 people behind him didn’t. Happens so fast you don’t even get time to swear.

Rule 303 said:

poikilotherm said:

I’d expect shenanigans like that later in the tour when the riders are fatigued, you don’t need to be that close for drafting all the time.

Human systems fail. People stuff things up. We’re not robots.

With their amount of training, they should be close ;)

Rule 303 said:

stumpy_seahorse said:

small things turn into big ythings rather quickly…

I watched the bloke next to me wheel himself (on the bike in front) at 53 km/hr on the Geelong Freeway a few years ago. I managed to get out of the way, but about 50 people behind him didn’t. Happens so fast you don’t even get time to swear.

I saw a spectacular crash when riding from Launceston to Hobart. The ‘pros’ were in a big group in front of me.. then suddenly I see one of them flip over the top of the rest of them and they all came tumbling down. In the moment it was a bit like watching a cartoon .. but the poor buggers got quite a bit of damage..

poikilotherm said:

With their amount of training, they should be close ;)

198 riders will cover 3,360km in Le Tour this year, which gives an aggregate total of 665,280 km ridden. With maybe two bad crashes.

They just about are.

;-)

Share markets post moderate Greek-related losses; oil, iron tank

I didn’t realise “iron tanks” were on the stock market. In any case, aren’t they more quintessentially Australian rather than Greek?

Sorry, please disregard. Wrong thread.

After yesterday’s carnage (which resulted in six abandons, including Fabian Cancellara), the lads will face cobbles in Stage 4, finally taking us into France:

Bubblecar said:

After yesterday’s carnage (which resulted in six abandons, including Fabian Cancellara), the lads will face cobbles in Stage 4, finally taking us into France:

….. and lots of lovely chateaux. :)

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

After yesterday’s carnage (which resulted in six abandons, including Fabian Cancellara), the lads will face cobbles in Stage 4, finally taking us into France:

….. and lots of lovely chateaux. :)

I should expect so.

Start time for today’s stage, anyone?

party_pants said:

Start time for today’s stage, anyone?

10.00 p_p

jjjust moi said:

party_pants said:

Start time for today’s stage, anyone?

10.00 p_p

Nah, that’s just the free to air TV broadcast in WA. We always miss the start and join the race part way through.

party_pants said:

jjjust moi said:

party_pants said:

Start time for today’s stage, anyone?

10.00 p_p

Nah, that’s just the free to air TV broadcast in WA. We always miss the start and join the race part way through.

In that case, I don’t know or really GAF.

Approaching the first section of cobbles.

Bubblecar said:

Approaching the first section of cobbles.

Excellent.

I hope nobody gets hurt.

Bubblecar said:

Approaching the first section of cobbles.

What a load a cobbles.

I am so sick of seeing the same few TV ads over and over again, I’m going to build a ship that was just for being safe in the harbour.

And now the live stream has died out.

Serves me right I guess.

Tony Martin wins the stage with a very impressive solo effort, and is also now wearing the yellow jersey.

Fairly flat route tonight that’s being billed as the first proper sprinter’s stage. We can expect a classic ride with a smallish breakaway that will be pulled back towards the end, as the peloton tussles to position the fastest lads for a frenetic finish.

They are riding through some famous battle fields tonight.

Seems so.

Do they have the race on the wireless?

Michael V said:

Do they have the race on the wireless?

I don’t know Michael but I doubt it, unless you can find online radio coverage.

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Do they have the race on the wireless?

I don’t know Michael but I doubt it, unless you can find online radio coverage.

…it’s a very visual sort of sport :)

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Do they have the race on the wireless?

I don’t know Michael but I doubt it, unless you can find online radio coverage.

…it’s a very visual sort of sport :)

Shouldn“t the whole thing be called “Tour de Farce?”

I thought this was interesting. Orica Greenedge mechanic response after crash.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7raIxrzodt4&list=PLPWE2uZOmZQFbnFuZNFFRJcJRxH35qxis&index=11

Might sit back and watch a bit of the Tour.

I’ll rely on others to keep the cricket thread updated :)

lots of grain fields don’t seem to have fences over there.

party_pants said:

lots of grain fields don’t seem to have fences over there.

probably because theres a right of way for the public so theres not point having a fence
in Britain you can walk through approved paths through farmers fields, in Australia most of the country is closed off to the public

Motorbike down, you don’t often see that.

Bubblecar said:

Motorbike down, you don’t often see that.

I didn’t. I was just out in the kitchen making myself a little snack.

Seems like each day something interesting happens right around this time, when I’m away from the TV just for a few moments.

Abbeville to Le Havre tonight, with a few climbs on the way.

What is the ‘Hors course’?

Witty Rejoinder said:

What is the ‘Hors course’?

Shouldn’t that be “whores intercourse?”

Witty Rejoinder said:

What is the ‘Hors course’?

It’s the course for technical vehicles, buses, journalists etc, so they don’t interfere with the race.

Witty Rejoinder said:

What is the ‘Hors course’?

Where you get your d’oeuvres from.

I see another r-tard bit the tar, already.

Tonight, Stage 7: Livarot (which has never been in the Tour before) to Fougères. Billed as another stage for the sprinters.

No-one wearing the yellow jersey in this stage, since Tony Martin has now abandoned.

Bubblecar said:

No-one wearing the yellow jersey in this stage, since Tony Martin has now abandoned.

Oh – what happened?

(I fell asleep last night)

A crash very near the finish, Tony Martin broke a collarbone. Since he’s still technically the race leader, out of respect there’ll be no yellow jersey until next stage.

Decided to order the Bruny Island Cheese Club’s latest Offer, for the final week of the Tour (delivered 21st or 22nd). And maybe a bottle of that Redlands Estate brandy:

https://brunyislandcheese.myfoodlink.com/offers/cheese-club-offer-05-15

Time to lift some weights while watching the bikes.

Bubblecar said:

Time to lift some weights while watching the bikes.

I’m lifting approximately 375 grams + bottle weight. As it’s not resistance training I lower the weight occasionally. Once I’ve completed a set I go back to the 375 grams.

Bubblecar said:

Time to lift some weights while watching the bikes.

Don’t overdo it now.

I like some of the little music intros as they come back from a break :)

A decent walloper could have stood there with a radar gun and made his year’s tickets as they entered the outskirts of the town.

Cavendish finally gets a win.

Bubblecar said:

Cavendish finally gets a win.

Well, he has won one or two before.

It was looking like Greipel might greedily grab another one, and I’m glad he didn’t.

Lots of short climbs in Stage 8, Rennes to Mûr-de-Bretagne.

>The dead-straight climb up to the finish at Mûr-de-Bretagne will be familiar as the place where Cadel Evans pipped Alberto Contador to win the fourth stage in 2011, before going on to win the race overall.<

The cricket is a lost cause.

party_pants said:

The cricket is a lost cause.

No, no, Watson is in.

Oh, dear.

OH FUCKING DEAR

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

The cricket is a lost cause.

No, no, Watson is in.

Oh, dear.

If it’s Emma Watson I might switch over back to the cricket…

Please take the fuckings out of the bicycle thread and back to the ashes thread.

sibeen said:

OH FUCKING DEAR

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

kii said:

sibeen said:

OH FUCKING DEAR

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

No idea.

Tell me, please.

Michael V said:

kii said:

sibeen said:

OH FUCKING DEAR

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

No idea.

Tell me, please.

Yes. Exactly!

What do you call a deer with no eyes and no legs?

kii said:

sibeen said:

OH FUCKING DEAR

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

We actually had a SSSF trivia team called “deer with no eyes” in Sydney in the early 2000s.

kii said:

Michael V said:

kii said:

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

No idea.

Tell me, please.

Yes. Exactly!

What do you call a deer with no eyes and no legs?

Still no idea, sorry.

Michael V said:

kii said:

Michael V said:

No idea.

Tell me, please.

Yes. Exactly!

What do you call a deer with no eyes and no legs?

Still no idea, sorry.

You’ve heard this joke before, haven’t you? I blame Boris.

sibeen said:

kii said:

sibeen said:

OH FUCKING DEAR

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

We actually had a SSSF trivia team called “deer with no eyes” in Sydney in the early 2000s.

Trying to remember who had played on the team. I know these people played at least once:

Barbie aka Tongue tied
White Rabbit
sibeen
Steve (avatar)
Magic chicken + wife
Taff aka Evil Twin Beryl
Hari
Daisy
Miss Carol
Woody
Evil Roy
Shell
Ruby

I’m sure I’ve missed quite a few.

sibeen said:

sibeen said:

kii said:

What do you call a deer with no eyes?

We actually had a SSSF trivia team called “deer with no eyes” in Sydney in the early 2000s.

Trying to remember who had played on the team. I know these people played at least once:

Barbie aka Tongue tied
White Rabbit
sibeen
Steve (avatar)
Magic chicken + wife
Taff aka Evil Twin Beryl
Hari
Daisy
Miss Carol
Woody
Evil Roy
Shell
Ruby

I’m sure I’ve missed quite a few.

Thems the ones at the Wibberlee pub?

Woodie said:

sibeen said:

sibeen said:

We actually had a SSSF trivia team called “deer with no eyes” in Sydney in the early 2000s.

Trying to remember who had played on the team. I know these people played at least once:

Barbie aka Tongue tied
White Rabbit
sibeen
Steve (avatar)
Magic chicken + wife
Taff aka Evil Twin Beryl
Hari
Daisy
Miss Carol
Woody
Evil Roy
Shell
Ruby

I’m sure I’ve missed quite a few.

Thems the ones at the Wibberlee pub?

It was done over a few pubs, the most regular was northern side of Sydney. Buggered if I can remember the name.

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

Bubblecar said:

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

I find that, not believable.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

I find that, not believable.

+ brazzillion

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

I find that, not believable.

Me three, but it was a factoid flashed on the screen just before the last ad break.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

I find that, not believable.

Me three, but it was a factoid flashed on the screen just before the last ad break.

They must be counting each person each day. So if you watch all 20-odd days you get counted as 20 people. I’d be happy with a couple hundred viewers.

Bubblecar said:

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

So, you’re in the minority, then. I’m in the majority.

party_pants said:

They must be counting each person each day. So if you watch all 20-odd days you get counted as 20 people. I’d be happy with a couple hundred viewers.

I suspect they’re just counting the entire populations of every country that’s receiving the live broadcasts.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

I find that, not believable.

Me three, but it was a factoid flashed on the screen just before the last ad break.

They must be counting each person each day. So if you watch all 20-odd days you get counted as 20 people. I’d be happy with a couple hundred viewers.

couple hundred _million _ viewers

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m one of 3.5 billion people watching this race.

I find that, not believable.

Those sorts of figures usually include those that may have seen some “highlights”, or click past it for a few minutes while the ads are on something else. And probably the total that saw something of it over the entire three weeks. I doubt very much there are that many sitting there watching it at this very moment.

Ok – so what’s so special about this German caffeine shampoo they keep advertising?

party_pants said:

Ok – so what’s so special about this German caffeine shampoo they keep advertising?

Your hair gets higher.

only 8 km to go

then I can go to bed.

hurry up..

party_pants said:

only 8 km to go

then I can go to bed.

hurry up..

4 k

OK, I’ll allow you to go to bed now, Admiral.

sibeen said:

OK, I’ll allow you to go to bed now, Admiral.

Cheers.

I’ve just had an attack of the sneezes for the last few minutes, I was really just hanging in there.

After all that, an unknown Frenchman, Alexis Vuillermoz wins the stage.

Bubblecar said:

After all that, an unknown Frenchman, Alexis Vuillermoz wins the stage.

Who?

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

After all that, an unknown Frenchman, Alexis Vuillermoz wins the stage.

Who?

Alexis Vuillermoz. A bit ironic that Paul & Phil had discussed the stage win prospects for a huge number of different riders over the course of the stage, but never once was his name mentioned.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

After all that, an unknown Frenchman, Alexis Vuillermoz wins the stage.

Who?

Alexis Vuillermoz. A bit ironic that Paul & Phil had discussed the stage win prospects for a huge number of different riders over the course of the stage, but never once was his name mentioned.

Nah, never heard of him. A bit of an unknown, IMHO.

It’s his first Tour.

Bubblecar said:

It’s his first Tour.

…I’m sure they said it was his first Tour, but they were wrong :)

He was in the 2013 Tour, finishing 46th.

Team Time Trial tonight, with many expecting Australia’s Orica-GreenEdge to win. Hard climb at the end, not well suited to time trial bikes.

Team Time Trials… not sure if I’ll bother.

party_pants said:

Team Time Trials… not sure if I’ll bother.

Wait for the crash, team garmin-cannondale are good at crashing.

party_pants said:

Team Time Trials… not sure if I’ll bother.

Even though the Oz team have a good chance of winning the stage?

poikilotherm said:

party_pants said:

Team Time Trials… not sure if I’ll bother.

Wait for the crash, team garmin-cannondale are good at crashing.

All right. But they better crash, otherwise I’m blaming you.

party_pants said:

poikilotherm said:

party_pants said:

Team Time Trials… not sure if I’ll bother.

Wait for the crash, team garmin-cannondale are good at crashing.

All right. But they better crash, otherwise I’m blaming you.

It’s their thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyvCMG2qzWM

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

SWMBO and I would take a drink everytime they were mentioned.

sibeen said:

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

SWMBO and I would take a drink everytime they were mentioned.

Why not just choose another team by which to pace your wanton inebriation?

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

SWMBO and I would take a drink everytime they were mentioned.

Why not just choose another team by which to pace your wanton inebriation?

Because none of the others have the panache or mouth feel of Euskaltel-Euskadi.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

SWMBO and I would take a drink everytime they were mentioned.

Why not just choose another team by which to pace your wanton inebriation?

Because none of the others have the panache or mouth feel of Euskaltel-Euskadi.

Well, you’ll just have to watch the remainder of the bicycle race all sober and stuff. Could be boring ….oh, wait .

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

SWMBO and I would take a drink everytime they were mentioned.

Why not just choose another team by which to pace your wanton inebriation?

Because none of the others have the panache or mouth feel of Euskaltel-Euskadi.

Should be simple enough to set up a random “Euskaltel-Euskadi” generator and have it running during the Tour coverage.

kii said:

Well, you’ll just have to watch the remainder of the bicycle race all sober and stuff. Could be boring ….oh, wait .

I’ve mainly been watching the Tour sober and it works fine for me :)

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

Well, you’ll just have to watch the remainder of the bicycle race all sober and stuff. Could be boring ….oh, wait .

I’ve mainly been watching the Tour sober and it works fine for me :)

Yeah, but, you’re weird .

sibeen said:

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

What became of them?

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Le Tour hasn’t really been the same since Euskaltel-Euskadi left the race.

What became of them?

Lost sponsorship and folded.

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

Well, you’ll just have to watch the remainder of the bicycle race all sober and stuff. Could be boring ….oh, wait .

I’ve mainly been watching the Tour sober and it works fine for me :)

Yeah, but, you’re weird .

If I find myself nodding off during some of the blander sections, I just pick up the lute and play it while I watch.

Has tonight’s TV coverage started yet over on the east side of the country?

Yes, Orica GreenEdge just set off. Their prospects don’t look good, with the depleted team and Michael Matthews in poor shape.

party_pants said:

Has tonight’s TV coverage started yet over on the east side of the country?

Not interested in watching lycra move.

It’s OK, I found it now. The SBS website didn’t have the lin k up on the front page like usual.

roughbarked said:

party_pants said:

Has tonight’s TV coverage started yet over on the east side of the country?

Not interested in watching lycra move.

That’s OK, I’m fairly sure you can find an alternative channel.

There, now that’s done you won’t need to comment in this thread.

sibeen said:

roughbarked said:

party_pants said:

Has tonight’s TV coverage started yet over on the east side of the country?

Not interested in watching lycra move.

That’s OK, I’m fairly sure you can find an alternative channel.

There, now that’s done you won’t need to comment in this thread.

:)

Bubblecar said:

Even though the Oz team have a good chance of winning the stage?

They seem to be in dead-last position so far.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Even though the Oz team have a good chance of winning the stage?

They seem to be in dead-last position so far.

A stage means not a lot in this race.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Even though the Oz team have a good chance of winning the stage?

They seem to be in dead-last position so far.

Yes, they were billed as potential winners at the start of the Tour, but their team had been reduced to 6 by this stage and they were nursing a rider with broken ribs, so they were really just trying to survive.

>Yes, they were billed as potential winners at the start of the Tour

i.e., potential winners of this Time Trial.

Anyway BMC win the stage, and Froome is still leading the Tour.

Rest day today. Not sure if I’ll bother.

Into the Pyrenees tonight with Stage 10. The plains of the Hautes-Pyrénées will give way to hillier country until we end with the first real mountain of this tour, the Col de Soudet.

Pyrenees mountain stages… not sure if I’ll bother.

party_pants said:

Pyrenees mountain stages… not sure if I’ll bother.

Why don’t you like mountain stages?

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Pyrenees mountain stages… not sure if I’ll bother.

Why don’t you like mountain stages?

Just these mountains. I like the Alps.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Pyrenees mountain stages… not sure if I’ll bother.

Why don’t you like mountain stages?

Just these mountains. I like the Alps.

Picky.

Pic du Midi observatory in the Pyrenees.

Of course I’ll be watching it.

Just reading the thread and the last two days are you posting something and me saying I’ll not bother. Thought I’d keep the pattern going.

Breakaway out to 12 minutes.

Okay – I will bother.

Bloody Irish dancers, they’re lost.

Nibili has cracked.

sibeen said:

Nibili has cracked.

Perhaps if he spent a little more time staring at his stem…

Bugger me, Contador gone.

Froome has attacked, the race may be nearly over.

The Froominator is a hell of a climber, but it surprises me to see him dropping Quintana.

Someone should really punch some of those idiot spectators.

Go Ritchie!

Very convincing win for Froome, and local lad Richie Porte comes in second.

Porte!

It’s going to be a real struggle to catch up with Froome in this Tour, but there’s still a lot of it to go, with a lot more climbing.

Tour de Frog, they have to be good at some thing.

Given another Km or two, would Porte have caught Froome?

Rule 303 said:

Given another Km or two, would Porte have caught Froome?

The lord only knows.

Rule 303 said:

Given another Km or two, would Porte have caught Froome?

Given there wasn’t, does it matter :P

Maybe, Porte seemed to be charging up, but Froome would have eased up with the finish line in sight I reckon.

poikilotherm said:

Maybe, Porte seemed to be charging up, but Froome would have eased up with the finish line in sight I reckon.

Would be interesting to see how much he (Porte) closed the gap in the last couple of Ks.

Rule 303 said:

poikilotherm said:

Maybe, Porte seemed to be charging up, but Froome would have eased up with the finish line in sight I reckon.

Would be interesting to see how much he (Porte) closed the gap in the last couple of Ks.

We’ll find out next year I guess. Rumour is that he is going to BMC as the no. 1 rider.

party_pants said:

Rule 303 said:

poikilotherm said:

Maybe, Porte seemed to be charging up, but Froome would have eased up with the finish line in sight I reckon.

Would be interesting to see how much he (Porte) closed the gap in the last couple of Ks.

We’ll find out next year I guess. Rumour is that he is going to BMC as the no. 1 rider.

his dad told me 2 years ago that he was about 5 years away from being in a position to win TdF

party_pants said:

Rule 303 said:

poikilotherm said:

Maybe, Porte seemed to be charging up, but Froome would have eased up with the finish line in sight I reckon.

Would be interesting to see how much he (Porte) closed the gap in the last couple of Ks.

We’ll find out next year I guess. Rumour is that he is going to BMC as the no. 1 rider.

That’s no rumour…

Going to burn…

Stage 11 tonight, Pau to Cauterets and the first really big day in the mountains, uphill nearly all the way. Two big mountains including the mighty Col de Tourmalet before the final shallower climb to the finish.

Bubblecar said:

Stage 11 tonight, Pau to Cauterets and the first really big day in the mountains, uphill nearly all the way. Two big mountains including the mighty Col de Tourmalet before the final shallower climb to the finish.

A blessed route if ever there was one.

Suppose so/

Some magnificent hams on Gabriel’s spot.

Several abandons on this stage. I blame the heat.

The scenery of these mountains looks familiar. I’ve been watching too much L:e Tour over the years.

Cattle on the road nearly caused a major accident.

Bubblecar said:

Cattle on the road nearly caused a major accident.

Yeah I saw that, damn farmers should have fenced that paddock

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Cattle on the road nearly caused a major accident.

Yeah I saw that, damn farmers should have fenced that paddock

Aww, i wanted to see the cyclists go ass over tit.

whereabout are we on that map?

Leader’s about to climb that last hill before the finish.

I might stay up for the rest then.

Only 10km to go.

I see where were are, that last town where they make a 90 deg turn south.

bit more than 90 deg even

Majka’s going to win the stage.

Nibali is fnerked, again.

party_pants said:

Nibali is fnerked, again.

Yes it’s a bit of an anticlimax for him this year.

time for bed here.

cop ya tomorrow.

Nighto. I might just get a bit of sleep then get up again for the Pluto pitchers around 5am.

Stage 12, Lannemezan to the ski resort of Plateau de Beille, and it’s our final day in the Pyrenees, with four major climbs and three descents. It’s another stage that could favour a breakaway so team Sky will be seeking to control proceedings, while the other contenders will be doing their best to make this one count. Coverage starts earlier tonight: 9:30.

Gabriel’s having a rest day. Going straight to the race.

Bubblecar said:

Gabriel’s having a rest day. Going straight to the race.

Probably all tuckered out.

Thunderstorms are forecast for this stage.

The rain is bringing a big drop in temperature and I’m sure the riders will be grateful for that.

Big breakaway of 22 riders.

So Gabriel does make an appearance.

Yes, he sneaked in just as I was thinking about preparing tonight’s cheese supper.

Team Sky on the offensive.

Hailstones at the finishing line, but the storm may pass before they get there. Still 46 km to go with lots of climbing.

Bubblecar said:

Hailstones at the finishing line, but the storm may pass before they get there. Still 46 km to go with lots of climbing.

We won’t see it. SBS has screwed the pooch.

Don’t panic, we’re back.

Can’t make it to the end tonight. I need sleep.

party_pants said:

Can’t make it to the end tonight. I need sleep.

OK, you’re excused. I’m actually taping it because it’s a visually pleasing enough stage to watch again some time.

Pissing down.

Stage 13 tonight, Muret to Rodez. A break from the mountains with this long stage that nonetheless features a number of hill climbs and will be a solid test of tired legs.

I’ve tried Roquefort cheese. I don’t mind blue at all, but this was inedible. The amount of salt was obscene.

So bugger off, Gabriel, as usual! :)

I’d like to climb that tower. The view from the top must be awesome.

Heat really hitting them on this Tour. It would be interesting to see at least one TDF being run in winter.

Bubblecar said:

Heat really hitting them on this Tour. It would be interesting to see at least one TDF being run in winter.

Then they’d be whinging about how cold it was and how dangerous the wet and slippery roads are.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Heat really hitting them on this Tour. It would be interesting to see at least one TDF being run in winter.

Then they’d be whinging about how cold it was and how dangerous the wet and slippery roads are.

TDF through the snow, bring it on.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Heat really hitting them on this Tour. It would be interesting to see at least one TDF being run in winter.

Then they’d be whinging about how cold it was and how dangerous the wet and slippery roads are.

Yeah, the “Frogs” are still bitchin about world war 3.

All those waving farmers are missing the Tour going past.

FUCK

Someone have a stack?

Someone at the rear of the pelleton was caught out having a natural.

sibeen said:

FUCK

Oh dear.

:(

dv said:

Someone have a stack?

Yeah, big faceplant.

Michael V said:

sibeen said:

FUCK

Oh dear.

:(

Hmmm. How’d this end up here, in the wrong thread?

Michael V said:

Michael V said:

sibeen said:

FUCK

Oh dear.

:(

Hmmm. How’d this end up here, in the wrong thread?

PWM must have guessed Sibeen’s password.

I’m multi FUCKING tasking.

Jaysus, will Phil get off the small box under the riders saddle. I reckon I’ve heard that at least 30 times so far this year.

Good finish. The breakaway caught on the last hill only 300m from the finish.

Have they stopped all falling off yet?

It’s always a pants malfunction, isn’t it.

Bullshit, it wasn’t me, it was Sibeen.

Yeah.. should’ve said it’s always the Sibeens.. except that wouldn’t make much sense.

I was referring of course to dangerous and painful pants-chain interactions. Was the cause of me coming to grief a couple of times when I used to ride a treadly.

Another hilly one tonight on Stage 14, through another very photogenic region of France. They’re likely to let the breakaway do its thing again, unless there’s someone important in it.

Did they do the Col du Tormalet this year?

They finish in the Merde!

pommiejohn said:

Did they do the Col du Tormalet this year?

Yes, Stage 11, won by Rafal Majka for Tinkoff Saxo.

Almost felt sorry for the break away group in yesterdays stage, all the way…then lost it at the last 800m.

Storm brewing for tonight’s stage.

Basic but satisfying provisions for tonight’s Tour: Jarlsberg, smoked cheddar, fetta, hot salami, big fat green olives, savoy crackers.

Sagan’s in the breakaway, 6 minutes ahead. Looks like Greipel’s thrown in the towel for the green jersey.

Bubblecar said:

Basic but satisfying provisions for tonight’s Tour: Jarlsberg, smoked cheddar, fetta, hot salami, big fat green olives, savoy crackers.

Grana, danish blue, onion, both pickled and raw, olives and capsicum on my plate.

10 years today since the death of Aussie cyclist Amy Gillett in a traffic accident during training.

Helicopters having to keep out of the way of the bats & birdies so not many aerial views of the race as we go through these gorges.

Did they ride under the Millau Viaduct in this stage?

Witty Rejoinder said:

Did they ride under the Millau Viaduct in this stage?

Yes, impressive.

Switching to Le Tour app’s “live coverage” which is about 3 minutes behind. Cricket on the TV with sound down.

Really lovely limestone gorges here.

Bubblecar said:

Really lovely limestone gorges here.

It certainly is. Very pretty.

Various views of the French midget president.

English chappy wins the day for Africa, a good result for Mandela Day although I must admit I fell asleep towards the end. Nothing to do with the race, I was just sleepy.

Stage 15 (earlier start tonight, 9:30) sees us still on the Massif Central for the first section followed by a steep descent to a final “bump’ in the form of the Col de l’Escrinet. Then it’s a flat run home to Valence, ready for the first treadle into the Alps tomorrow.

Stage 15, acceptance.

I wouldn’t mind seeing the tour for real one day

wookiemeister said:

I wouldn’t mind seeing the tour for real one day

A holiday in some of those regions would certainly be pleasant. But it might be more sensible to go in the off-season.

Bubblecar said:

wookiemeister said:

I wouldn’t mind seeing the tour for real one day

A holiday in some of those regions would certainly be pleasant. But it might be more sensible to go in the off-season.

France in the off season can be a little problematic it’s colder for one

I would go and visit the cathedrals again

the First World War sites maybe

Bubblecar said:

wookiemeister said:

I wouldn’t mind seeing the tour for real one day

A holiday in some of those regions would certainly be pleasant. But it might be more sensible to go in the off-season.

And ride a motorcycle.

bob(from black rock) said:

Bubblecar said:

wookiemeister said:

I wouldn’t mind seeing the tour for real one day

A holiday in some of those regions would certainly be pleasant. But it might be more sensible to go in the off-season.

And ride a motorcycle.

as long as there’s not much chance of rain

wookiemeister said:

bob(from black rock) said:

Bubblecar said:

A holiday in some of those regions would certainly be pleasant. But it might be more sensible to go in the off-season.

And ride a motorcycle.

as long as there’s not much chance of rain

I enjoy riding a motorcycle in the rain.

Michael V said:

wookiemeister said:

bob(from black rock) said:

And ride a motorcycle.

as long as there’s not much chance of rain

I enjoy riding a motorcycle in the rain.

not when the rain is cold and cold air is swirling around your neck

done it too many times

the roads get slippery

Rogers taken ill and retires hurt.

wookiemeister said:

Michael V said:

wookiemeister said:

as long as there’s not much chance of rain

I enjoy riding a motorcycle in the rain.

not when the rain is cold and cold air is swirling around your neck

done it too many times

the roads get slippery

Love it. Dress appropriately, ride appropriately. It’s fun. Seriously.

:)

Michael V said:

Love it. Dress appropriately, ride appropriately. It’s fun. Seriously.

:)

I’d feel safer flying over enemy territory during wartime.

Michael V said:

wookiemeister said:

Michael V said:

I enjoy riding a motorcycle in the rain.

not when the rain is cold and cold air is swirling around your neck

done it too many times

the roads get slippery

Love it. Dress appropriately, ride appropriately. It’s fun. Seriously.

:)

If you have the right tyres, perrelli phantoms are not much chop in the wet.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Michael V said:

Love it. Dress appropriately, ride appropriately. It’s fun. Seriously.

:)

I’d feel safer flying over enemy territory during wartime.

In a F111

AwesomeO said:

Michael V said:

wookiemeister said:

not when the rain is cold and cold air is swirling around your neck

done it too many times

the roads get slippery

Love it. Dress appropriately, ride appropriately. It’s fun. Seriously.

:)

If you have the right tyres, perrelli phantoms are not much chop in the wet.

Is that what you had on when you had the accident?

Peak Warming Man said:

AwesomeO said:

Michael V said:

Love it. Dress appropriately, ride appropriately. It’s fun. Seriously.

:)

If you have the right tyres, perrelli phantoms are not much chop in the wet.

Is that what you had on when you had the accident?

They would have been but they were not the cause of it. Unlike Michael V I was more of a fair weather rider.