This is quite a good stage review by the Gran.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2016/jun/30/tour-de-france-2016-our-interactive-stage-by-stage-guide

SBS has done the real dirty and promised that Gabriel Gaté will be presenting every evening…the bastards.

sibeen said:

This is quite a good stage review by the Gran.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2016/jun/30/tour-de-france-2016-our-interactive-stage-by-stage-guide

SBS has done the real dirty and promised that Gabriel Gaté will be presenting every evening…the bastards.

That’s cheery news.

There’s a live press conference with Peter Sagan going on right now: https://www.facebook.com/tinkoffsport/videos/vb.121540094614638/842618082506832/?type=2&theater¬if_t=live_video¬if_id=1467126039114186

Will Phil Leggit be commentating, he seems to know what he’s talking about.

Peak Warming Man said:

Will Phil Leggit be commentating, he seems to know what he’s talking about.

If you mean Phil Liggit then yes. Over 40 years commentating on the event.

Stage One tonight, yeah?

Yes.

party_pants said:

Stage One tonight, yeah?

Yeah.

party_pants said:

Stage One tonight, yeah?

Yep.

Fairly flat and breezy coastal stage tonight, Mont-Saint-Michel to Utah Beach:

The TDF is a grand show, ruined by the fixation with a lot of drug addicts on bikes.

mcgoon said:

The TDF is a grand show, ruined by the fixation with a lot of drug addicts on bikes.

fair play to them..

last time I was on drugs, I couldn’t even find my bike, let alone ride it…

mcgoon said:

The TDF is a grand show, ruined by the fixation with a lot of drug addicts on bikes.

It’s an obsession with French roads.

Witty Rejoinder said:

mcgoon said:

The TDF is a grand show, ruined by the fixation with a lot of drug addicts on bikes.

It’s an obsession with French roads.

some of the roads are quite spectacular and interesting, but obscured by a lot of wallys on treadlies.

And we’re off, on a windy stage one in Normandy. With a nice bubbly to be going on with and plenty of tasty nibbles to enjoy later.

And we’ve got le Tour on here too.

While Mr buffy asks me what is going on with the vote counting because I am at the computer.

Looks like Phil & Paul are only covering the last 50km of each stage this tour.

Contador’s down – painful fall.

Bubblecar said:

Contador’s down – painful fall.

So was the forum, but it has got back up.

Bubblecar said:

Contador’s down – painful fall.

When it comes to injuries, Cyclists are the opposite of Soccer players.

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Contador’s down – painful fall.

When it comes to injuries, Cyclists are the opposite of Soccer players.

even Alex is the opposite to a soccer player

Coffee & Tim Tams, to keep me awake for the Phil & Paul stage which has just commenced.

Bubblecar said:

Coffee & Tim Tams, to keep me awake for the Phil & Paul stage which has just commenced.

Are SBS fucking nuts. Like every other station isn’t showing the election speech.

facepalm

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Coffee & Tim Tams, to keep me awake for the Phil & Paul stage which has just commenced.

Are SBS fucking nuts. Like every other station isn’t showing the election speech.

facepalm

I switched to SBS 2, got uniterrupted coverage.

Yes, they do warn to switch to SBS2 at the appropriate moments.

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Coffee & Tim Tams, to keep me awake for the Phil & Paul stage which has just commenced.

Are SBS fucking nuts. Like every other station isn’t showing the election speech.

facepalm

I switched to SBS 2, got uniterrupted coverage.

Bugger, I went to HD and it was the fucking speech. Now have to run and look at 2.

Gee… I think Malcolm is drunk…

Bubblecar said:

Yes, they do warn to switch to SBS2 at the appropriate moments.

Yes, I got the warnings too.

Cavendish wins the Stage as carnage unfolds in the last few metres.

Yeah, interesting finish – I was trying to look back at the carnage in the background and almost forgot to watch the finish.

Bubblecar said:

Cavendish wins the Stage as carnage unfolds in the last few metres.

Phil is losing it. He had no idea what was going on.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Cavendish wins the Stage as carnage unfolds in the last few metres.

Phil is losing it. He had no idea what was going on.

First stage nerves, he’ll settle.

• Phil is losing it. He had no idea what was going on.

?

furious said:

• Phil is losing it. He had no idea what was going on.

?

He apparently lost track of Cavendish right up until Cavendish crossed the line to win.

furious said:

• Phil is losing it. He had no idea what was going on.

?

Last bend before the finish line, one poor campaigner clipped the kerb and fell, took down another dozen riders in a domino effect. Meanwhile the front runners were reaching the finish line and going into top sprint mode like they do. Phil didn’t quite know what to do the commetentary on.

• Last bend before the finish line, one poor campaigner clipped the kerb and fell, took down another dozen riders in a domino effect. Meanwhile the front runners were reaching the finish line and going into top sprint mode like they do. Phil didn’t quite know what to do the commetentary on.

I should have watched that. This other show is dragging on…

Bubblecar said:

furious said:

• Phil is losing it. He had no idea what was going on.

?

He apparently lost track of Cavendish right up until Cavendish crossed the line to win.

Apparently…nothing. He had no idea it was Cavendish until about 15 minutes after the race was completed.

Tonight: Saint-Lô to Cherbourg-en-Contenin, a west coast ride with some challenging climby bits.

geeez france has some weird place names.

Nice damp day for it.

Bubblecar said:

Nice damp day for it.

Can’t they wipe the damn camera lens now and again?

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Nice damp day for it.

Can’t they wipe the damn camera lens now and again?

Adds to the atmosphere.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Nice damp day for it.

Can’t they wipe the damn camera lens now and again?

Adds to the atmosphere.

I want to wipe my TV screen….

I wish they could filter Matt & Robbie through a Phil & Paul voice simulator.

Bubblecar said:

I wish they could filter Matt & Robbie through a Phil & Paul voice simulator.

I’m quite enjoying Robbie’s commentary so far. He presents some good insight into it.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I wish they could filter Matt & Robbie through a Phil & Paul voice simulator.

I’m quite enjoying Robbie’s commentary so far. He presents some good insight into it.

It’s decent commentary but not as relaxing as the English pair.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I wish they could filter Matt & Robbie through a Phil & Paul voice simulator.

I’m quite enjoying Robbie’s commentary so far. He presents some good insight into it.

It’s decent commentary but not as relaxing as the English pair.

yes. It’s the same thing with Ashes cricket.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I wish they could filter Matt & Robbie through a Phil & Paul voice simulator.

I’m quite enjoying Robbie’s commentary so far. He presents some good insight into it.

Whilst Bubbles will make ‘early race nerves’ excuses, let’s face it, whilst he may still fill the airwaves with dulcet tones, he’s lost it.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

I’m quite enjoying Robbie’s commentary so far. He presents some good insight into it.

It’s decent commentary but not as relaxing as the English pair.

yes. It’s the same thing with Ashes cricket.

Yeah, that’s why Richie was such a stalwart on the BBC airwaves for years………

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I wish they could filter Matt & Robbie through a Phil & Paul voice simulator.

I’m quite enjoying Robbie’s commentary so far. He presents some good insight into it.

Whilst Bubbles will make ‘early race nerves’ excuses, let’s face it, whilst he may still fill the airwaves with dulcet tones, he’s lost it.

Nooo.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

It’s decent commentary but not as relaxing as the English pair.

yes. It’s the same thing with Ashes cricket.

Yeah, that’s why Richie was such a stalwart on the BBC airwaves for years………

Sorry, on the radio. Used to love listening to the BBC TMS team late at night. Every now and again Jim Maxwell would do a stint but he didn’t have the same feel. This was before I could afford a second TV for the bedroom.

Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwin will be calling the Tour well into the 22nd century.

Bubblecar said:

Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwin will be calling the Tour well into the 22nd century.

by mid this century they will have automated bot commentary in any voice style you like. be it Phil and Paul, or Ritchie Benaud and Nigella Lawson.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwin will be calling the Tour well into the 22nd century.

by mid this century they will have automated bot commentary in any voice style you like. be it Phil and Paul, or Ritchie Benaud and Nigella Lawson.

Would be heaven for sibeen ‘cos he could have the entire Tour commentated by Gabriel Gaté.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwin will be calling the Tour well into the 22nd century.

by mid this century they will have automated bot commentary in any voice style you like. be it Phil and Paul, or Ritchie Benaud and Nigella Lawson.

Would be heaven for sibeen ‘cos he could have the entire Tour commentated by Gabriel Gaté.

.. and Boris

I’m going to be heretical and tape the rest of this, and get back to that Hammer film.

Just caught up with yesterday’s stage. There’s only one bloke who could take a bunch sprint off Kittel, Greipel, and Sagan. He’ll be happy AF with that.

:-)

LOL – cocks and balls drawn on the pavement!

party_pants said:

LOL – cocks and balls drawn on the pavement!

I’ll look out for that when I watch the tape tomorrow.

But I’m really in a slow gloomy horror mood at the moment.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

LOL – cocks and balls drawn on the pavement!

I’ll look out for that when I watch the tape tomorrow.

But I’m really in a slow gloomy horror mood at the moment.

It’s 65 km to go now, so was about the 68 km mark. Great big cock and hairy balls drawn on the road, the commentators sounded like they were trying to keep a straight face,

party_pants said:

LOL – cocks and balls drawn on the pavement!

Pffft, a rich Roman house would have a sculpture of a cock on the mantelpiece.

rule and maybe some other people might find this interesting – power output by a different rider for each stage of this years TdF.

poikilotherm said:

rule and maybe some other people might find this interesting – power output by a different rider for each stage of this years TdF.

He’s obviously sat in the middle of the peloton all day.

I’ve got hours of last night’s to watch before I tackle tonight’s.

I might just fast-forward until Phil & Paul kick in.

Well, no spoilers then eh?

SBS does a 45 minute replay instead of the whole borax stage.

poikilotherm said:

Well, no spoilers then eh?

SBS does a 45 minute replay instead of the whole borax stage.

Unfortunately that’s on right now but I have to go & cook dinner.

Bubblecar said:

poikilotherm said:

Well, no spoilers then eh?

SBS does a 45 minute replay instead of the whole borax stage.

Unfortunately that’s on right now but I have to go & cook dinner.

SBS on demand? You have adsl yea?

https://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/

Stage 3, Granville to Angers.

TdF Stage 3 Preview: A Sprinter’s Paradise…

“Don’t ask me which one,” says course designer Thierry Gouvenou, “but logic suggests it will be one of those who featured on the first day. So we should expect a very fast finish.” And more crashes.

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/04/tdf-stage-3-preview-sprinters-paradise

Bubblecar said:

Stage 3, Granville to Angers.

TdF Stage 3 Preview: A Sprinter’s Paradise…

“Don’t ask me which one,” says course designer Thierry Gouvenou, “but logic suggests it will be one of those who featured on the first day. So we should expect a very fast finish.” And more crashes.

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/04/tdf-stage-3-preview-sprinters-paradise

I bet they look after their inner tubes.

I’d better go and finish last night’s stage before they start throwing another one at me.

Tonight’s nibbles now being nibbled as Stage 3 proceeds through the forest.

Excellent shaved prosciutto, shaved Deloraine cheddar, mixed marinated olives.

nice little private golf course there.

jealous

OK, doing as I did last night and taping the rest of it.

Matt & Robbie are on the ball but just a bit too exhausting. I’ll watch the rest tomorrow evening before Stage 4, fast-forwarding through the rest of their watch until Phil & Paul kick in.

Now, off to watch more atmospheric cinema.

party_pants said:

nice little private golf course there.

jealous

How did you go wth yours?

roughbarked said:

party_pants said:

nice little private golf course there.

jealous

How did you go wth yours?

Didn’t happen. Other priorities have taken over. Have to move out of this place etc.

party_pants said:

roughbarked said:

party_pants said:

nice little private golf course there.

jealous

How did you go wth yours?

Didn’t happen. Other priorities have taken over. Have to move out of this place etc.

Just don’t lose sight of the dream.

Richie Porte now nearly two minutes down due to a puncture disaster. I know how he feels.

TdF Stage 4 Preview: Rush to the Pyrenees…Saumur to Limoges

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“The stroke of a pen on the map of France says it all: 232 kilometres. It’ll be the longest stage and it should have an effect on the legs in the closing moments. The beautiful flat roads going through the Haute-Vienne area should favour the sprinters. Just as much as the final slightly uphill straight ending the stage in front of the City Hall.”

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte now nearly two minutes down due to a puncture disaster. I know how he feels.

TdF Stage 4 Preview: Rush to the Pyrenees…Saumur to Limoges

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“The stroke of a pen on the map of France says it all: 232 kilometres. It’ll be the longest stage and it should have an effect on the legs in the closing moments. The beautiful flat roads going through the Haute-Vienne area should favour the sprinters. Just as much as the final slightly uphill straight ending the stage in front of the City Hall.”

Some of these chaps might pull out to concentrate on the limpics.
I think that happened in 2012.

nice camera shot of the steeple

Lovely scenery in this stage. Got the sound on very quietly so I can listen for the roosters.

Now to make myself look silly, doing exercise bile in front the TV as per usual, but watching Le Tour.

I’m now going to allow myself to relocate to the armchair while watching the Phil & Paul section.

But I’ll be all ears for the roosters.

I’m sick and tired of that little bald anti-social cnut snubbing people on his retirement day.

Climbing and descending the mighty Col d’Aspin tonight:

TdF Stage 7 Preview: Enter the Pyrénées…

Expect the pace to increase and the race to enter ‘une autre dimension’ (a new dimension), forewarns Tour director Christian Prudhomme.

“As the Tour enters the Pyrénées, the pace should increase and the race enter a new dimension. The climb to the Col d’Aspin will be the only theatre of battle on the day… in terms of climbing! But the descent, as splendid as it is technical, heading to the Lac de Payolle will also be a decisive exercise.”

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/08/tdf-stage-7-preview-enter-pyrenees

Bubblecar said:

Climbing and descending the mighty Col d’Aspin tonight:

TdF Stage 7 Preview: Enter the Pyrénées…

Expect the pace to increase and the race to enter ‘une autre dimension’ (a new dimension), forewarns Tour director Christian Prudhomme.

“As the Tour enters the Pyrénées, the pace should increase and the race enter a new dimension. The climb to the Col d’Aspin will be the only theatre of battle on the day… in terms of climbing! But the descent, as splendid as it is technical, heading to the Lac de Payolle will also be a decisive exercise.”

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/08/tdf-stage-7-preview-enter-pyrenees

I hope the x and y scales are different otherwise I don’t tnink they are going to make it.

Peak Warming Man said:

I hope the x and y scales are different otherwise I don’t tnink they are going to make it.

Thank dog for PWM , always here to lighten the evening :)

Wonder how long the BMC bloke will keep his maillot jaune.

poikilotherm said:

Wonder how long the BMC bloke will keep his maillot jaune.

Yes, still a 5+ minute lead over the favourites.

Bubblecar said:

poikilotherm said:

Wonder how long the BMC bloke will keep his maillot jaune.

Yes, still a 5+ minute lead over the favourites.

It was an impressive break away…hope he hangs on for another day or two.

Gabriel!

Love these downhill stretches.

thanks for the reminder – we should just have joined the program here

Fine prosciutto, hot salami, dill pickles and the last of the Deloraine cheddar. I’ve ordered the latest Bruny Island Cheese Club package, but because of their delivery schedule it won’t arrive until the last four days of the Tour.

I’m sure we saw that abbey yesterday.

Bubblecar said:

I’m sure we saw that abbey yesterday.

It’s just a glitch in the matrix.

nice rail bridge

Witty Rejoinder said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m sure we saw that abbey yesterday.

It’s just a glitch in the matrix.

Abbeys have a consistent design.

AwesomeO said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Bubblecar said:

I’m sure we saw that abbey yesterday.

It’s just a glitch in the matrix.

Abbeys have a consistent design.

that is one thing i have learned from watching Time Team over and over again.

Now we’re getting properly into the hills.

Into the very noisy and intrusive mountaintop crowds now.

Steve Cummings wraps it up for Dimension Data.

Greg Van Avermaet increases his gap on the favourites, in controversial circumstances.

Bubblecar said:

Greg Van Avermaet increases his gap on the favourites, in controversial circumstances.

Nice riding from a guy who was meant to lose that jersey today.

do they wash the jersey before the next guy wears it? or do they have a few of them and everyone gets a new one?

ChrispenEvan said:

do they wash the jersey before the next guy wears it? or do they have a few of them and everyone gets a new one?

WGAF?

ChrispenEvan said:

do they wash the jersey before the next guy wears it? or do they have a few of them and everyone gets a new one?

yes

poikilotherm said:

Bubblecar said:

Greg Van Avermaet increases his gap on the favourites, in controversial circumstances.

Nice riding from a guy who was meant to lose that jersey today.

thanks to his Bond villain style sabotage…

bob(from black rock) said:

ChrispenEvan said:

do they wash the jersey before the next guy wears it? or do they have a few of them and everyone gets a new one?

WGAF?

Perhaps I should have said, “DILLIGAF”

Lotsa climbing & descending tonight:

Stage 8: Pau to Bagnères-de-Luchon

Two of the four climbs featured today form part of a classic Pyrenean Tour stage ominously known as ‘The Circle of Death’, which takes in the Tourmalet, Peyresoude, Aspin and Ausbisque. (Whether this means the peloton will only be half-dead by day’s end, we’ll have to wait and see.)

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“The great classic of the Pyrenees has been reconsidered for this 2016 edition of the Tour. After the Col du Tourmalet, the race will, for the first time, head up the Hourquette d’Ancizan from a different side before taking on the Col de Val-Louron-Azet and Peyresourde! A battle with several levels where anything and everything can happen.”

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/09/tdf-stage-8-preview-big-bite

Should be a gruelling but entertaining stage, live coverage about to commence.

I love Smart TV :)

got Le Tour online streaming direct to my TV with pretty decent picture quality.

Thibaut Pinot first across the summit of the Col du Tourmalet, which will cheer him up after lacklustre riding in previous days.

Bubblecar said:

Thibaut Pinot first across the summit of the Col du Tourmalet, which will cheer him up after lacklustre riding in previous days.

is the Tourmalet compulsory every year or something?

Wish they wouldn’t interrupt descents with ads :(

party_pants said:

is the Tourmalet compulsory every year or something?

It’s the most frequently included climb, but not compulsory.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

is the Tourmalet compulsory every year or something?

It’s the most frequently included climb, but not compulsory.

I reckon I could drive up there and feel like I know my way around already.

the mountains are just so beautiful.

party_pants said:

the mountains are just so beautiful.

Phil & Paul kicking in soon, hopefully.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

the mountains are just so beautiful.

Phil & Paul kicking in soon, hopefully.

Robbie has really grown on me. Love his little anecdotes about life on the tour.

I reminds me of NZ

the riders seem to wear their heart-rate monitors mid chest. I’ve been doing it wrong all this time…

party_pants said:

Robbie has really grown on me. Love his little anecdotes about life on the tour.

It’s good quality commentary but we need the shift to the more relaxing voices as the night unfolds.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Robbie has really grown on me. Love his little anecdotes about life on the tour.

It’s good quality commentary but we need the shift to the more relaxing voices as the night unfolds.

I like Phil and Paul too of course, but the B crew are now above bearable.

Speak of the devils :)

>the shift to the more relaxing voices

Having said that, Phil and Paul are sounding rather over-excited.

Alas poor Morkov

First abandonment of the 2016 tour – Michael Mørkøv.

Man standing out on the road wearing just his underpants and a mask over his face.

I got arrested last time i did that. Should’ve moved to France.

party_pants said:

Man standing out on the road wearing just his underpants and a mask over his face.

I got arrested last time i did that. Should’ve moved to France.

Don’t mention that on the dating sites.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Man standing out on the road wearing just his underpants and a mask over his face.

I got arrested last time i did that. Should’ve moved to France.

Don’t mention that on the dating sites.

hell no. Once I’ve got the house stuff sorted out i guess that is the next major “life-project”. I should get the forum to vet my final profile. A committee effort is always going to be better than what I can do on my own.

Strange crash.

Bubblecar said:

Strange crash.

Yeah. seemed like the front tyre peeled off the rim??

I reckon we can fit in another rum before the finish line

haha – lol – more uninterested cows!

Main contenders now making moves.

party_pants said:

haha – lol – more uninterested cows!

If you read my posts, you will learn a little of the behavior of cattle in various circumstances, or you can ignore them completely and continue with your misunderstanding.

PermeateFree said:

party_pants said:

haha – lol – more uninterested cows!

If you read my posts, you will learn a little of the behavior of cattle in various circumstances, or you can ignore them completely and continue with your misunderstanding.

You had to be there sort of moment – the commentators remarked on it like they were reading this thread. I just thought it was amusing.

Froome now racing aggressively.

Bubblecar said:

Froome now racing aggressively.

Yeah. Very much so.

the bucnh just can’t ride so aggressively down low out of the saddle

Worthy win for Froome, very impressive.

Bubblecar said:

Worthy win for Froome, very impressive.

Yeah, gotta hand it to Froome, that was damn good.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Worthy win for Froome, very impressive.

Yeah, gotta hand it to Froome, that was damn good.

It was very well rehearsed, you don’t ride like that unless you’re very sure of what you’re doing.

Stage 9: Vielha Val D’Aran to Andorre Arcalis – mountains all the way. And we start at 8:30 tonight.

Given what transpired yesterday, this final Pyrénéan leg will put more than one nail in the coffin for GC aspirants that fail to deliver: “This stage is undoubtedly the most difficult of the Tour de France, with 4,960 metres of vertical gain,” affirms technical director Thierry Gouvenou.

Combined, the mountains alone comprise 53.4 kilometres of ascending, or almost 30 percent of the entire stage and 20 percent more than the day previous. A cycling sadist’s wet dream, you might say. And at 2,240 metres above sea level, the day finishes at one of the highest summit finishes in Tour history; certainly, the highest this year.

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/10/tdf-stage-9-preview-mountain-high

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yep, they are using IR imaging gun thingies.

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yes they have some kind of detectors. Presumably the motors have to be running to be detectable.

poikilotherm said:

Yep, they are using IR imaging gun thingies.

That’s the gadgets :)

those spectators are lucky Arts isn’t there…

she’d be mowing them down left right and centre…

stumpy_seahorse said:

those spectators are lucky Arts isn’t there…

she’d be mowing them down left right and centre…

Must be hard to avoid some of them, especially on the summits of these climbs.

poikilotherm said:

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yep, they are using IR imaging gun thingies.

With modern materials you might be able to hide a single use superstrong and tightly twisted bit of elastic in the frame, one time use only but enough to give you surge on a hill.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yes they have some kind of detectors. Presumably the motors have to be running to be detectable.

Ok. is there some basis behind the suspicion?

stumpy_seahorse said:

those spectators are lucky Arts isn’t there…

she’d be mowing them down left right and centre…

LOL

party_pants said:

Ok. is there some basis behind the suspicion?

Hidden motors: Van den Dreissche banned for six years, stripped of European and Belgian Under 23 titles

http://cyclingtips.com/2016/04/hidden-motors-van-den-dreissche-banned-for-six-years-stripped-of-european-and-belgian-under-23-titles/

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yes they have some kind of detectors. Presumably the motors have to be running to be detectable.

Ok. is there some basis behind the suspicion?

Yep.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yes they have some kind of detectors. Presumably the motors have to be running to be detectable.

Ok. is there some basis behind the suspicion?

someone got done for it recently in a competition

Anyway you can punch spectators lights out with one punch now.

stumpy_seahorse said:

those spectators are lucky Arts isn’t there…

she’d be mowing them down left right and centre…

heh, foome’s elbowed one, channeling his inner Arts.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Was meaning to ask earlier but got side-tracked.

I thought I heard last night that there are inspectors on motorbikes during the race checking to see if any riders have hidden motors on their bikes… did I hear that correctly??

I can’t imagine any rider trying that. But surely they could just impound and inspect suspect machines after the race stage?

Yes they have some kind of detectors. Presumably the motors have to be running to be detectable.

Ok. is there some basis behind the suspicion?

Yep, belgian lass was caught with one at the world cyclocross champs or some such.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Ok. is there some basis behind the suspicion?

Hidden motors: Van den Dreissche banned for six years, stripped of European and Belgian Under 23 titles

http://cyclingtips.com/2016/04/hidden-motors-van-den-dreissche-banned-for-six-years-stripped-of-european-and-belgian-under-23-titles/

Interesting, thankee.

Aussie rider Mark Renshaw, Cav’s right-hand man, has abandoned.

none the wiser…

I still reckon Quintana is looking good…

Rule 303 said:

I still reckon Quintana is looking good…

Better than Contador

Bubblecar said:

Aussie rider Mark Renshaw, Cav’s right-hand man, has abandoned.

But they’ve still got 197 on stage 9, which is astonishing. Someone’s had a really good look at safety.

diddly-squat said:

Rule 303 said:

I still reckon Quintana is looking good…

Better than Contador

Yeah, Saxo, Sky, and Movistar will put themselves to the sword pegging back the yellow. BMC have got form as a bunch of wheelsuckers. Whether this ultimately benefits Quintana, Porte, or Cheatadore is anyone’s guess. I’m backing Quintana because Movistar are strong and disciplined, whereas Porte’s lost 1:50 on a flat and Cheatadore’s injured.

And Sky are spending too much time in the wind. I know they love their ‘We ride at the front’ slogans, but all that means is they’re doing more work than the other teams.

That TV ad with Anna Meares doing a standing high jump onto the platform – is that for real you reckon or movie special-effects?

party_pants said:

That TV ad with Anna Meares doing a standing high jump onto the platform – is that for real you reckon or movie special-effects?

Fairly common training technique. It’s all about muscle power (to muscle people, ‘power’ means acceleration through the range of movement). I would be very surprised is she wasn’t performing the inverse (jumping down) to train the body to use the elastic energy stored in the tendons at impact, too.

Look up Chu’s work on Plyometrics, if you want more.

Rule 303 said:

Look up Chu’s work on Plyometrics, if you want more.

Nah, it’s fine, thanks.

party_pants said:

Rule 303 said:

Look up Chu’s work on Plyometrics, if you want more.

Nah, it’s fine, thanks.

reaches over shoulder to bookshelf

Are you sure, Admiral?

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

Rule 303 said:

Look up Chu’s work on Plyometrics, if you want more.

Nah, it’s fine, thanks.

reaches over shoulder to bookshelf

Are you sure, Admiral?

When I say it’s fine, I really mean it’s fine.

I reckon I’d struggle to jump up on the coffee table like that. I’m impressed,

Well done guys, but I’m wanting Phil & Paul now.

party_pants said:

I reckon I’d struggle to jump up on the coffee table like that. I’m impressed,

She’s a one-in-ten-million athlete who has been trained by the best in the business and given every opportunity and assistance the world has to give. Jumping onto a box is trivia compared to what she is capable of. They’re not normal people.

No surprise that Contador has bowed out, but well done for giving it a go.

More abandoning now.

Bubblecar said:

No surprise that Contador has bowed out, but well done for giving it a go.

When did that happen?

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

No surprise that Contador has bowed out, but well done for giving it a go.

When did that happen?

Over half an hour ago on this stage.

Bubblecar said:

Over half an hour ago on this stage.

Ahhh. I’m watching a recording that’s about an hour behind.

Who else has retired?

gotta love the TrollDJ :)

Rule 303 said:

Who else has retired?

Five or six now including Mark Renshaw.

Right, we’re in Andorra.

Intrusive spectator sent sprawling by a cyclist.

Hailstones coming down now.

Llama Drama

Stage 10 – big mountain with a long descent in this one.

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/12/tdf-stage-10-preview-whos-big-day-out

Hmm, no footage of the race on most of that big mountain because of fog.

TdF Stage 12 Preview: Land of Le Géant de Provence…

Barren. Isolated. Windswept. Colossal. Such is its repute, few have good memories of Ventoux. One man who does is Chris Froome.

Exclaims Thierry Gouvenou: “One thing is for sure and that’s that this stage will do some damage!”

Continues the technical director of Le Tour, “This is exactly what is expected of ‘the Bald Mountain’. And even if a favourite doesn’t wrap up the Tour there, a lot of riders could end up losing all hope of victory because this climb is so unique, so different from every other. Some are bound to stumble due to its extreme difficulty.”

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/14/tdf-stage-12-preview-land-le-geant-de-provence

Looks like Quintana’s off the cards again for a Tour victory.

Bizarre accident. Chris Froome now running to the finish instead of riding. Richie Porte down too. Madness.

Weird to see Froome trying to win the race on foot. Never seen anything like it, and very much against the rules :)

Looks like a crowd interference accident, causing a camera motorbike to stop and Porte to collide into the rear of it, Froome to come off too.

Madness. They really are going to have to keep those mountain crowds behind a line.

Fiasco. No-one knows who is leading the Tour.

Never seen anything like it.

Seems to have been inadequate barriers and crowd control due to the route having been shortened at short notice, combined with too many motorbikes in congested conditions.

The weirdness piles up. Froome’s bike was stolen by a member of the crowd.

WTF?

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

Bubblecar said:

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

I’m still backing Quintana, JFTR.

Bubblecar said:

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

make it tow, and I’ll pour you a spiced rum & dry

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

I’m still backing Quintana, JFTR.

He wasn’t very convincing yesterday, it must be said.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

make it tow, and I’ll pour you a spiced rum & dry

two

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

make it tow, and I’ll pour you a spiced rum & dry

Not sure how spiced rum would blend with pink bubbly :)

Maybe later as the night unfolds.

Porte and Froome will be riding after midnight.

If spiced ham is SPAM then I guess spiced rum is SPUM.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Next advert I’ll be putting together a nice little cheese board.

make it tow, and I’ll pour you a spiced rum & dry

Not sure how spiced rum would blend with pink bubbly :)

Maybe later as the night unfolds.

Porte and Froome will be riding after midnight.

I think I’ll be in bed by then.

Maybe next time.

dv said:

If spiced ham is SPAM then I guess spiced rum is SPUM.

Up ya bum!

(as they say)

Bubblecar said:

He wasn’t very convincing yesterday, it must be said.

Keeping his powder dry.

(I hope)

Richie launches.

Bubblecar said:

Richie launches.

I’m rooting for the Porte

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Richie launches.

I’m rooting for the Porte

He deserves some good fortune.

Some boos in the background for Porte. WTF?

He’s making very good time.

Bubblecar said:

He’s making very good time.

stay on target.. use the force .. etc

Froome launches.

here we go….

Porte’s falling well behind :/

not looking good for Porte.

party_pants said:

not looking good for Porte.

not promising….

Yobs booing as Froome enters the last few km.

Can’t see Quintana ever winning the Tour. I think he’s been over-hyped.

Bubblecar said:

Can’t see Quintana ever winning the Tour. I think he’s been over-hyped.

Still, he was good in Star Trek.

makes we wonder why riders reserve themselves for the individual time trial rather than challenge during other general stages. They never seem to put on the big one and pull a rabbit out of the hat. The leaders generally just consolidate their position and it locks in their lead. Makes anyone else catching them even harder. There goes to the race for all of the other top 15 trying to save themselves for this stage to catch Froome.

Tom Dumoulin wins the stage, Froome building his Tour lead very solidly.

Another disappointing day for Richie Porte.

>They never seem to put on the big one and pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Froome himself has done just that on several stages so far. It’s hard to surprise the favourite when the favourite is determined to surprise the contenders.

Bubblecar said:

Another disappointing day for Richie Porte.

Well, he’s still in sight of a top three position.

Richie’s sounding flat. He didn’t enjoy that trial at all.

Bubblecar said:

Richie’s sounding flat. He didn’t enjoy that trial at all.

I missed the drama last night. Turned the TV off at 10 km to go thinking I’d just look up the scores this morning.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Richie’s sounding flat. He didn’t enjoy that trial at all.

I missed the drama last night. Turned the TV off at 10 km to go thinking I’d just look up the scores this morning.

It was madness on toast, with cheese on top. Hard to believe what I was seeing and then the commentary continued well into the wee hours, as they tried to work out what the consequences would be and Mike Tomalaris nearly lost his voice.

Bubblecar said:

… Mike Tomalaris nearly lost his voice.

you would have been cheering for that.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

… Mike Tomalaris nearly lost his voice.

you would have been cheering for that.

No, I quite like Mike.

Earlier start tonight, 8:30

TdF Stage 14 Preview:

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/16/tdf-stage-14-preview-another-great-escape

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“The sprinters will probably have focused on taking it easy during the previous time trial. Out of several factors, that precaution could condition their speed on the final straight. Add to that the fact that the final corridor could be struck by a strong headwind which should condemn all breakaway attempts.”

Yesterdays stage was odd, the disc wheel and 3 spoke front wheel is supposedly the fastest and most aerodynamic yet not everyone chose to ride that configuration.

poikilotherm said:

Yesterdays stage was odd, the disc wheel and 3 spoke front wheel is supposedly the fastest and most aerodynamic yet not everyone chose to ride that configuration.

‘Cos of the strong side winds using the disc as a sail.

Bubblecar said:

poikilotherm said:

Yesterdays stage was odd, the disc wheel and 3 spoke front wheel is supposedly the fastest and most aerodynamic yet not everyone chose to ride that configuration.

‘Cos of the strong side winds using the disc as a sail.

Was it windy?

poikilotherm said:

Bubblecar said:

poikilotherm said:

Yesterdays stage was odd, the disc wheel and 3 spoke front wheel is supposedly the fastest and most aerodynamic yet not everyone chose to ride that configuration.

‘Cos of the strong side winds using the disc as a sail.

Was it windy?

Very windy in places, yes. And coming from multiple directions due to the cliffs etc.

Ah ok, the shortened highlights haven’t mentioned and I hadn’t noticed.

poikilotherm said:

Yesterdays stage was odd, the disc wheel and 3 spoke front wheel is supposedly the fastest and most aerodynamic yet not everyone chose to ride that configuration.

they were saying because of the gusty wind conditions some riders were opting for different wheels. The disc wheels cope a bit with a side wind.

poikilotherm said:

Ah ok, the shortened highlights haven’t mentioned and I hadn’t noticed.

The shortened highlights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are standards to be met on this site, and apparently you, Sir, are falling appallingly short.

i must be beyond the pail cos i haven’t seen any of the TdF

ChrispenEvan said:

i must be beyond the pail cos i haven’t seen any of the TdF

So that’s not you in the crowd in the devil suit, jumping up & down?

Hey Boris I just entered the phascogale into the Atlas of Living Australia.
24 hours before the data appears in the map, apparently

sibeen said:

poikilotherm said:

Ah ok, the shortened highlights haven’t mentioned and I hadn’t noticed.

The shortened highlights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are standards to be met on this site, and apparently you, Sir, are falling appallingly short.

heh

I like cycling, I even race, but, FMD, you must like to watch paint dry if you can watch a whole stage from start to finish.

ChrispenEvan said:

i must be beyond the pail cos i haven’t seen any of the TdF

It’s ‘pale’ you whisky sodden ignoramus.

I was sure it was Boris.

sibeen said:

ChrispenEvan said:

i must be beyond the pail cos i haven’t seen any of the TdF

It’s ‘pale’ you whisky sodden ignoramus.

pfffft buckit!

i’d never be caught dead in footwear like that.

poikilotherm said:

sibeen said:

poikilotherm said:

Ah ok, the shortened highlights haven’t mentioned and I hadn’t noticed.

The shortened highlights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are standards to be met on this site, and apparently you, Sir, are falling appallingly short.

heh

I like cycling, I even race, but, FMD, you must like to watch paint dry if you can watch a whole stage from start to finish.

It’s like test cricket. Sort of have it in as background noise but pay attention only to the important bits.

They rarely show the complete stage anyway. Often there’s half of it gone before live coverage starts.

Bubblecar said:

Word is that man is a bit skinky, after running about in that costume for a few hours.

party_pants said:

Word is that man is a bit skinky, after running about in that costume for a few hours.

Probably a lot of lizards out there in summer.

Bubblecar said:

They rarely show the complete stage anyway. Often there’s half of it gone before live coverage starts.

Gabriel Fucking Gaté.

Well the SBS coverage site said we’re starting at 8:30 tonight, but apparently not. The TV schedule says 9:30.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

They rarely show the complete stage anyway. Often there’s half of it gone before live coverage starts.

Gabriel Fucking Gaté.

Everyone loves Gabriel, and his spot only takes a few minutes.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

They rarely show the complete stage anyway. Often there’s half of it gone before live coverage starts.

Gabriel Fucking Gaté.

Everyone loves Gabriel, and his spot only takes a few minutes.

Everyone does not love Gabriel. I could put up with him if he wasn’t taking up bike riding space. Put him on before the start and show the whole stage.

Yes, I know SBS don’t really have the coin to buy the whole package, but I’ll vent anyway, as is my won’t.

I wonder if his wife bangs like a swinging Gaté

…as is my won’t.

what?

ChrispenEvan said:

…as is my won’t.

what?

He’ll vent as is his won’t vent. It’s been a long SatNDC for sibeen by the sound of it.

ChrispenEvan said:

…as is my won’t.

what?

Err, wont.

• what?

wha’t?

furious said:

• what?

wha’t?

i was going to do that but i thought it would confuse sibeen.

Gaté GMTS.

That is all.

Shouldn’t it be “Tour de farce”?

Pill & Fall should be kicking in soon.

Bubblecar said:

Pill & Fall should be kicking in soon.

…and here they be.

Nice enthusiastic crowds.

Cavendish wins his fourth stage of this tour.

It’s another English Tour de France.

Bubblecar said:

Cavendish wins his fourth stage of this tour.

It’s another English Tour de France.

The legs on the kid are astonishing!

I think he identifies as Manx, BTW.

TdF Stage 15 – Bourg-En-Bresse to Culoz.

Preview:

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/17/tdf-stage-15-preview-opportunity-knocks

Six categorised climbs and 5,000 metres’ climbing, all in the space of 160 kilometres.

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“Cyclists in the area are used to climbing the Grand Colombier, a fearsome — and feared — mountain pass in the Jura Massif from its four sides. The Tour peloton will face a similar challenge when it tackles the summit from two different sides in the same stage. A tricky descent awaits before the finish in Culoz.”

looks nasty

Bubblecar said:

TdF Stage 15 – Bourg-En-Bresse to Culoz.

Preview:

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/17/tdf-stage-15-preview-opportunity-knocks

Six categorised climbs and 5,000 metres’ climbing, all in the space of 160 kilometres.

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“Cyclists in the area are used to climbing the Grand Colombier, a fearsome — and feared — mountain pass in the Jura Massif from its four sides. The Tour peloton will face a similar challenge when it tackles the summit from two different sides in the same stage. A tricky descent awaits before the finish in Culoz.”

Looks like NZ, hardly a level spot in the entire place.

party_pants said:

looks nasty

Wouldn’t want to take my bike up there, puncture or no puncture.

time trial tonight, yeah?

party_pants said:

time trial tonight, yeah?

yea, uphill.

poikilotherm said:

party_pants said:

time trial tonight, yeah?

yea, uphill.

do they have to push shit too?

party_pants said:

poikilotherm said:

party_pants said:

time trial tonight, yeah?

yea, uphill.

do they have to push shit too?

No, that comes out the back.

I’m taping it, not really in a bikes mood tonight.

Bubblecar said:

I’m taping it, not really in a bikes mood tonight.

time trials you only need to watch the last dozen riders for the interesting bits.

I see Froome’s still using the Osymetric chainrings. I predict there will be a few more people giving them a try.

Rule 303 said:

I see Froome’s still using the Osymetric chainrings. I predict there will be a few more people giving them a try.

Work of the devil those things. No good comes from them.

poikilotherm said:

Rule 303 said:

I see Froome’s still using the Osymetric chainrings. I predict there will be a few more people giving them a try.

Work of the devil those things. No good comes from them.

The theory seems good, but I’m not sure they make any difference in practice. The current scientific work seems to be focused on the power output balance through the whole circle and between the sides.

Rule 303 said:

poikilotherm said:

Rule 303 said:

I see Froome’s still using the Osymetric chainrings. I predict there will be a few more people giving them a try.

Work of the devil those things. No good comes from them.

The theory seems good, but I’m not sure they make any difference in practice. The current scientific work seems to be focused on the power output balance through the whole circle and between the sides.

All gimmick I reckon. Probably just compensates for a weird pedalling style.

Looking forward to tonight’s stage, should be exciting. Contenders have to make serious efforts and rain is forecast in the Alps.

Coverage starting at 8:30 tonight after a documentary about the Easter Island heads.

Bubblecar said:

Looking forward to tonight’s stage, should be exciting. Contenders have to make serious efforts and rain is forecast in the Alps.

Coverage starting at 8:30 tonight after a documentary about the Easter Island heads.

So Easter Island Heads, then Dick Heads riding bicycles in the land of the Frog?

bob(from black rock) said:

Bubblecar said:

Looking forward to tonight’s stage, should be exciting. Contenders have to make serious efforts and rain is forecast in the Alps.

Coverage starting at 8:30 tonight after a documentary about the Easter Island heads.

!http://www.bicycling.com/sites/bicycling.com/files/stage-19-preview.jpg

So Easter Island Heads, then Dick Heads riding bicycles in the land of the Frog?

I take it you’re not a fan, bob.

Unless Froome is taken out by an IED it’s all over red rover.

Peak Warming Man said:

Unless Froome is taken out by an IED it’s all over red rover.

That’s probably true but we still want Richie on the podium in second or third.

Bubblecar said:

bob(from black rock) said:

Bubblecar said:

Looking forward to tonight’s stage, should be exciting. Contenders have to make serious efforts and rain is forecast in the Alps.

Coverage starting at 8:30 tonight after a documentary about the Easter Island heads.

!http://www.bicycling.com/sites/bicycling.com/files/stage-19-preview.jpg

So Easter Island Heads, then Dick Heads riding bicycles in the land of the Frog?

I take it you’re not a fan, bob.

How did you know that?

Peak Warming Man said:

Unless Froome is taken out by an IED it’s all over red rover.

That’s what this guy thought…

Gabriel!

Pleasant-looking lake this one, but doubtless crawling with tourists.

I’d better relocate to the armchair for the rest of this stage, to make proper sense of what’s going on :)

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Poor bastard. Seemed to innocuous too.

These descents look such fun but catastrophe is only a badly timed move away.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Poor bastard. Seemed to innocuous too.

so

Rain coming down solidly now during the descent. Dangerous conditions.

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

The low side fall in the left corner? He’ll have a saw calf, hip, elbow and neck. It wont slow him down. As falls from the bike go, the ‘low side’ is only one notch above the ‘clip stack’.

Wet roads are slippery. Especially the white lines.

I got a bit of accidental wheel spin in the ute yesterday. Stopped at the traffic lights on an uphill section. I was first at the lights. Lights went green, I took off normally – back wheels hit the white line and spun up a little. Completely accidental officer, I swear I was just driving normal.

party_pants said:

Wet roads are slippery. Especially the white lines.

I got a bit of accidental wheel spin in the ute yesterday. Stopped at the traffic lights on an uphill section. I was first at the lights. Lights went green, I took off normally – back wheels hit the white line and spun up a little. Completely accidental officer, I swear I was just driving normal.

sorry – it was buckin’ fucketing down at the time :)

More bad luck for Richie. Delayed by someone else’s crash, having to catch up now.

party_pants said:

Wet roads are slippery. Especially the white lines.

I got a bit of accidental wheel spin in the ute yesterday. Stopped at the traffic lights on an uphill section. I was first at the lights. Lights went green, I took off normally – back wheels hit the white line and spun up a little. Completely accidental officer, I swear I was just driving normal.

Heh.

On a bike, it means you need to be careful to keep the weight above the tyre (contact area) and forget any notion of having effective brakes.

party_pants said:

Wet roads are slippery. Especially the white lines.

I got a bit of accidental wheel spin in the ute yesterday. Stopped at the traffic lights on an uphill section. I was first at the lights. Lights went green, I took off normally – back wheels hit the white line and spun up a little. Completely accidental officer, I swear I was just driving normal.

Happens to me often but the tyres on my ute are 2003 originals. Probably getting a bit hard.

Bubblecar said:

More bad luck for Richie. Delayed by someone else’s crash, having to catch up now.

Yeah. I’m a bit annoyed at this. Only 44 seconds, can’t someone else have the bad luck?

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

More bad luck for Richie. Delayed by someone else’s crash, having to catch up now.

Yeah. I’m a bit annoyed at this. Only 44 seconds, can’t someone else have the bad luck?

He should have been planning his attack at that stage but was dropped instead. Back on the end now and it all makes it a bit harder to gain significant time.

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Is his knee okay?

runs…I mean…hobbles away…

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Is his knee okay?

runs…I mean…hobbles away…

I think he just bruised his hip and shoulders

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Is his knee okay?

runs…I mean…hobbles away…

Unlike the rest of us, these people are paid good money to fall off their bikes.

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

Bad crash for Pierre Rolland.

Is his knee okay?

runs…I mean…hobbles away…

Unlike the rest of us, these people are paid good money to fall off their bikes.

I’ve never had the offer.

anoher 3 or 4 down

Couple more crashes.

Froome is down!

Bubblecar said:

Froome is down!

But quickly up again.

far canal

don’t go away

And now it’s time for intermission:

https://www.facebook.com/messynessychic/videos/1168697696505417/

Bauke Mollema has also crashed apparently.

Porte needed time on Bardet but has been left well behind.

Bardet wins the stage and climbs right up the GC, achieving what Richie hoped to do.

Bubblecar said:

Bardet wins the stage and climbs right up the GC, achieving what Richie hoped to do.

Yeah. Probably not much chance of a podium finish for Porte now.

waiting for the leaderboard graphic to come up.

Bubblecar said:

Bardet wins the stage and climbs right up the GC, achieving what Richie hoped to do.

It’s a cruel game, this cycling caper.

Porte 50 seconds off 3rd place. Started the day 44 sec. So only lot 6 sec.

Better than I expected.

Nice to have a French stage win, anyway.

Tonight, another 8:30 start for the last proper stage (before the fake Paris stage which I don’t usually bother watching).

TdF Stage 20 Preview: Podium To Be Decided…

For second time in as many days, another sub-150 kilometre mountain stage. For the contenders, Last Chance Saloon.

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/article/2016/07/23/tdf-stage-20-preview-podium-be-decided

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France race director, says…

“The grand final for the climbers and maybe for the yellow jersey will once again be played in the Alps, on a short and intense stage for which one will have to keep energy… and cold blood. Indeed, after the climbs to the Col de la Ramaz, and then Joux Plane, the Tour could well be decided on a long 12-kilometre downhill portion. A first!”

Richie still has a good chance to end up on the final podium.

That cheesy potato-bacon-onion-white-wine dish looked very tasty.

Showing the entire stage live again.

Bubblecar said:

Showing the entire stage live again.

Sounds like backup time…

Is GG gone now…? Is it safe?

party_pants said:

Is GG gone now…? Is it safe?

Everyone loves Gabriel.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Is GG gone now…? Is it safe?

Everyone loves Gabriel.

Only you.

So, what’s with Gabriel Gate? Every night he pops up to cook something for someone before the races?

furious said:

So, what’s with Gabriel Gate? Every night he pops up to cook something for someone before the races?

Just a nice little fine food segment looking at the foods of the region of each stage. He cooks something and visits local markets & restaurants etc. Only lasts a few minutes and he’s an entirely inoffensive chap, but for someone reason he inspires much hatred amongst certain forum menfolk.

Bubblecar said:

furious said:

So, what’s with Gabriel Gate? Every night he pops up to cook something for someone before the races?

Just a nice little fine food segment looking at the foods of the region of each stage. He cooks something and visits local markets & restaurants etc. Only lasts a few minutes and he’s an entirely inoffensive chap, but for someone reason he inspires much hatred amongst certain forum menfolk.

It’s the Ouuutttttttttttttrageous accent dontchaknow.

Bubblecar said:

furious said:

So, what’s with Gabriel Gate? Every night he pops up to cook something for someone before the races?

Just a nice little fine food segment looking at the foods of the region of each stage. He cooks something and visits local markets & restaurants etc. Only lasts a few minutes and he’s an entirely inoffensive chap, but for someone reason he inspires much hatred amongst certain forum menfolk.

I just find him boring. I find the actual racing the most interesting bit. I wish they would just cut to the race instead and just quietly forget him.

So do you people get these H & R Block tax agent ads every other ad break – or is that just WA only?

party_pants said:

I just find him boring. I find the actual racing the most interesting bit. I wish they would just cut to the race instead and just quietly forget him.

Fair enough, food doesn’t interest you, but many people are interested in the regional European foods and find that little segment enjoyable.

Just as many people enjoy the scenery and don’t care much about the race.

Most television coverage of major international sporting events is accompanied by such vignettes…

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

I just find him boring. I find the actual racing the most interesting bit. I wish they would just cut to the race instead and just quietly forget him.

Fair enough, food doesn’t interest you, but many people are interested in the regional European foods and find that little segment enjoyable.

Just as many people enjoy the scenery and don’t care much about the race.

I guess there is some overlaps of interests that appeals the race to a wider audience than just sports fans.

Jenny from H & R Block.

Just sayin..

Rain now starting. Always cosy in the rain, but dangerous for the riders.

• Rain now starting. Always cosy in the rain, but dangerous for the riders.

Do bikes use different tyres in the wet like race cars do?

furious said:

• Rain now starting. Always cosy in the rain, but dangerous for the riders.

Do bikes use different tyres in the wet like race cars do?

Don’t think so, on a long road race like this when the weather is unpredictable.

Love their trolldj caption when they play a song coming back from an ad break.

was there a team time trial this year?

party_pants said:

was there a team time trial this year?

No, two individual trials.

Phil & Paul, Phil & Paul, we want Phil & Paul.

Doesn’t look like Richie’s got much ambition left in him in this Tour.

Good heavy rain.

• Phil & Paul, Phil & Paul, we want Phil & Paul.

Bubblecar said:

Doesn’t look like Richie’s got much ambition left in him in this Tour.

Only got rum & dry here

… oh, maybe some dreggy bits of scotch at the bottom of the bottle. There’s sugar free cola too but is cans only…

Enjoying my final night on the Tour, plenty of wine left.

As is my custom, I won’t bother with the Wank Stage tomorrow.

• Only got rum & dry here

Turkey and Dry here…

Good to see sensible spectators with umbrellas.

The final stage doesn’t start until midnight.

Rule 303 said:

The final stage doesn’t start until midnight.

…and isn’t really worth watching.

Women’s race on the live feed, but no commentary.

might watch the Rome doco instead…

sibeen said:

Rule 303 said:

The final stage doesn’t start until midnight.

…and isn’t really worth watching.

It’ll be interesting if Froome scores a puncture that takes two minutes off him, prangs into the back of a motorbike, and has his back wheel rubbing against the frame on a long climb; That would put him on level pegging with Porte.

;-)

party_pants said:

might watch the Rome doco instead…

Yeah, The Froominator had it comprehensively tied up.

Marcel Kittel provided some late entertainment by throwing a world-class dummy spit over a flat tyre (what a pratt! Hahahahaa…) but even the crowds on the Avenue were noticeably thin.

“Australia’s Chloe Hosking has won the women’s Tour de France on the Champs Elysees in Paris in a sprint finish.

Hosking, 25, streaked three bike-lengths clear to triumph ahead of Finland’s Lotta Lepisto, with Dutch great Marianne Vos storming through late on to take third place.

It was the third running of the race known as La Course by Le Tour de France.

Unlike the men’s three-week event, this is a one-day, 89km course raced around 13 laps of the Paris circuit that forms the end of the men’s race.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-25/chloe-hosking-wins-womens-tour-de-france/7657118