Froome has put the bike down and taken a pretty good tumble in Stage 1.

Seems to be battling on…

Video of Froome eating it

Rule 303 said:

Froome has put the bike down and taken a pretty good tumble in Stage 1.

Seems to be battling on…

Video of Froome eating it

Not a Froome fan but I hope that wasn’t too hurty.

Vincenzo Neeeeeeeeeebalee!!

shakes fist at Le Tour It knocks of the SBS Sunday Night Nazis.

AwesomeO said:

shakes fist at Le Tour It knocks of the SBS Sunday Night Nazis.

Used to be that Friday nights were WW2 night on SBS

Neophyte said:

AwesomeO said:

shakes fist at Le Tour It knocks of the SBS Sunday Night Nazis.

Used to be that Friday nights were WW2 night on SBS

For a long time it was Saturday Night Nazis which rolls off the tongue a bit easier.

You’d have to say our Ritchie is looking pretty good this year.
Then Yatesy.
And Froome for third.

Rule 303 said:

You’d have to say our Ritchie is looking pretty good this year.
Then Yatesy.
And Froome for third.

>.>

<.<

>.>

…moi?

Stumpy_seahorse said:

Rule 303 said:

You’d have to say our Ritchie is looking pretty good this year.
Then Yatesy.
And Froome for third.

>.>

<.<

>.>

…moi?

Other Yatesy.

I take it we’re all aware that Mitcheltom Scott have refused to take Caleb because he’s signed to another team, and due to leave in six months?

Poor form, IMO. He would have given them sprint wins.

I know the Australian team is now called Mitchelton – Scott but in my head I keep doing Michelson – Morley.

What a nerd.

just to keep a certain unnamed pedant happy

Oh, it’s the boring bloody time trial today.

I’ll watch a bit of tonight’s.

Bubblecar said:

I’ll watch a bit of tonight’s.

Even though we don’t get Phil & Paul.

American TV gets Phil & Paul, we have to have Australians.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

I’ll watch a bit of tonight’s.

Even though we don’t get Phil & Paul.

American TV gets Phil & Paul, we have to have Australians.

I don’t mind Keenan and McEwen at all.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

I’ll watch a bit of tonight’s.

Even though we don’t get Phil & Paul.

American TV gets Phil & Paul, we have to have Australians.

I don’t mind Keenan and McEwen at all.

They could at least make an effort to sound English.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Even though we don’t get Phil & Paul.

American TV gets Phil & Paul, we have to have Australians.

I don’t mind Keenan and McEwen at all.

They could at least make an effort to sound English.

Why?

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

Even though we don’t get Phil & Paul.

American TV gets Phil & Paul, we have to have Australians.

I don’t mind Keenan and McEwen at all.

They could at least make an effort to sound English.

McEwan seems very good with his pronunciation of place names.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

I don’t mind Keenan and McEwen at all.

They could at least make an effort to sound English.

McEwan seems very good with his pronunciation of place names.

Then he should make an effort to speak with a French accent.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

I don’t mind Keenan and McEwen at all.

They could at least make an effort to sound English.

Why?

Hours on end of Australian accents is rather harsh on the ear.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

They could at least make an effort to sound English.

Why?

Hours on end of Australian accents is rather harsh on the ear.

Hmm, I don’t find that.

Gabriel!

:)

Bubblecar said:

Gabriel!

:)

I’m streaming it via the Smart TV app. No Gabriel.

They keep falling down and breaking things. How many did we lose last night?

Watching the finish I think I can see what’s going on. Their riding is all over the shop! Wobble, wobble.. swerving from one side of the road to the other. In any other sport they’d be pinged for moving off their line, not signalling etc

Ian said:

They keep falling down and breaking things. How many did we lose last night?

Watching the finish I think I can see what’s going on. Their riding is all over the shop! Wobble, wobble.. swerving from one side of the road to the other. In any other sport they’d be pinged for moving off their line, not signalling etc

I only watched about 45 minutes of it before going to bed. But I’m up a bit later today and will go to bed a bit later and be up a bit later tomorrow etc.

I been away.

Is it Drug Addicts On Wheels time again, already?

captain_spalding said:

I been away.

Is it Drug Addicts On Wheels time again, already?

I suppose so. Those interested are taking about it.

yawn

Bubblecar said:

Ian said:

They keep falling down and breaking things. How many did we lose last night?

Watching the finish I think I can see what’s going on. Their riding is all over the shop! Wobble, wobble.. swerving from one side of the road to the other. In any other sport they’d be pinged for moving off their line, not signalling etc

I only watched about 45 minutes of it before going to bed. But I’m up a bit later today and will go to bed a bit later and be up a bit later tomorrow etc.

Between Le Tour and the pointy ends of both the World Cup and Wimbledon the overnight TV watching schedule is brutal. Those cave divers had it easy by comparison.

Ian said:

Between Le Tour and the pointy ends of both the World Cup and Wimbledon the overnight TV watching schedule is brutal. Those cave divers had it easy by comparison.

I can dig that.

If i was struggling through freezing muddy water a kilometre underground in spaces narrower than the average coffin in an attempt to help rescue a dozen or so hapless, helpless, somewhat debilitated kids who have no experience of the techniques necessary for them to reach safety, i’d be vastly consoled with the thought that it meant that i didn’t have to watch a lot of boofheads on bikes or endure endlessly repeated grunts, yelps and screams from people who have no tolerance for someone in the watching crowd who can’t stifle a cough.

And i do meant that most sincerely.

captain_spalding said:

Ian said:

Between Le Tour and the pointy ends of both the World Cup and Wimbledon the overnight TV watching schedule is brutal. Those cave divers had it easy by comparison.

I can dig that.

If i was struggling through freezing muddy water a kilometre underground in spaces narrower than the average coffin in an attempt to help rescue a dozen or so hapless, helpless, somewhat debilitated kids who have no experience of the techniques necessary for them to reach safety, i’d be vastly consoled with the thought that it meant that i didn’t have to watch a lot of boofheads on bikes or endure endlessly repeated grunts, yelps and screams from people who have no tolerance for someone in the watching crowd who can’t stifle a cough.

And i do meant that most sincerely.

Jolly good, that leaves more Tour for the rest of us to enjoy.

Bicycles.

Bubblecar said:

Bicycles.

I think that might be the go for an hour or two, then bed. Can’t watch the soccer tonight, it is on at just too silly a timeslot, too late to stay up, to early to get up.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Bicycles.

I think that might be the go for an hour or two, then bed. Can’t watch the soccer tonight, it is on at just too silly a timeslot, too late to stay up, to early to get up.

Yeah.

Bubblecar said:

Bicycles.

Velocipedes

Chavanel trying it on.

sibeen said:

Chavanel trying it on.

He’s done it before, won a stage in a solo breakaway.

oooh – stacked it!

party_pants said:

oooh – stacked it!

Bugger. What happened? SWMBO and sprogs walked in and I had to chat to them for a few minutes.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

oooh – stacked it!

Bugger. What happened? SWMBO and sprogs walked in and I had to chat to them for a few minutes.

Lotsa legs in lycra leeway.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

oooh – stacked it!

Bugger. What happened? SWMBO and sprogs walked in and I had to chat to them for a few minutes.

One of the blokes in the breakaway leading bunch, Gilbert, had a wobble on a fast downhill stretch and ran wide off the road on a bend and into the ditch. He was doing about 80 km/h. Back up and riding but dropping back to the pack.

What sort of fuckwit takes a flare to Le Tour?

sibeen said:

What sort of fuckwit takes a flare to Le Tour?

a firebrand.

They said it again!!!!!

Vincenzo Neeeeeeeeeeeeebalee. !!

Woodie said:

They said it again!!!!!

Vincenzo Neeeeeeeeeeeeebalee. !!

Why can’t they say Dion Smuth properly?

What’s the black & white horizontal striped flag with something in the top corner all about?

Woodie said:

What’s the black & white horizontal striped flag with something in the top corner all about?

Local flag of Brittany.

party_pants said:

Woodie said:

What’s the black & white horizontal striped flag with something in the top corner all about?

Local flag of Brittany.

Ah….. the Gwenn-ha-du

32.8km to go. I overslept on my lay-me-down.

That bike race looks like an ant race next to that canal, in that helicopter view.

I sometimes wonder about how many complaints are made about flatulence upwind.

Tau.Neutrino said:

I sometimes wonder about how many complaints are made about flatulence upwind.

They are in it to win against all ill wiinds that may blow.

Why are cyclists always in a group ?

Runners tend to spread out.

Why don’t cyclists?

Tau.Neutrino said:

Why are cyclists always in a group ?

Runners tend to spread out.

Why don’t cyclists?

Because if you get too far behind the main group you lose too much time.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Why are cyclists always in a group ?

Runners tend to spread out.

Why don’t cyclists?

Wind resistance. It makes a huge difference at the speeds they are travelling.

Bubblecar said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Why are cyclists always in a group ?

Runners tend to spread out.

Why don’t cyclists?

Because if you get too far behind the main group you lose too much time.

Either you lead or you don’t.

sibeen said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Why are cyclists always in a group ?

Runners tend to spread out.

Why don’t cyclists?

Wind resistance. It makes a huge difference at the speeds they are travelling.

Whenever they suddenly come to me as a group it is hard to resist.

Dean Martin wins the stage, way ahead of Jerry Lewis.

Not bad for Porte.

sibeen said:

Not bad for Porte.

I’m waiting for the overall standings. No idea who’s leading the Tour.

Bony bird-faced Dan Martin must be getting a bit old for this, but well done.

Dan Martin reminds me a bit of Eric Sykes, same sort of hooter and teeth. But more emaciated-looking.

Richie Porte still ahead of Froome in the standings.

Bubblecar said:

Dan Martin reminds me a bit of Eric Sykes, same sort of hooter and teeth. But more emaciated-looking.

Probably better at telling a joke too :)

OK then, time to pour a drink and sit back for an hour or two.

party_pants said:

OK then, time to pour a drink and sit back for an hour or two.

Cheers, stay up until the finish this time.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

OK then, time to pour a drink and sit back for an hour or two.

Cheers, stay up until the finish this time.

well, I don’t have to get up before 6am tomorrow, so I just might… if I don’t just fall asleep in the armchair.

so much bird shot on the roof ridge of that chateaus.

party_pants said:

so much bird shot on the roof ridge of that chateaus.

A lot of shit on it too.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

so much bird shot on the roof ridge of that chateaus.

A lot of shit on it too.

that’s what I meant :)

I like how even the littlest kids are cheering and clapping as the bikes go by.

Bubblecar said:

I like how even the littlest kids are cheering and clapping as the bikes go by.

Are they in cages?

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

I like how even the littlest kids are cheering and clapping as the bikes go by.

Are they in cages?

No they’re mostly riding piggyback on parents.

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

I like how even the littlest kids are cheering and clapping as the bikes go by.

Are they in cages?

The Tour de France happens in a civilised country.

I really dig their little musical interludes coming back from the ad breaks.

I’m glad my name isn’t Rudy.

I’m not going to make it to the end of the stage. There is still a good hour and a half to go..

party_pants said:

I’m not going to make it to the end of the stage. There is still a good hour and a half to go..

I had an after-dinner lay-me-down for over two hours, so I’m still riding strong.

there are so many roads in France with a ditch alongside.

party_pants said:

there are so many roads in France with a ditch alongside.

Archaeological digs have discovered many graves of cyclists in them.

party_pants said:

I’m not going to make it to the end of the stage. There is still a good hour and a half to go..

I’ve just fortified myself with a glass of red, some parma and olives; all washed down with a cleansing stout.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

I’m not going to make it to the end of the stage. There is still a good hour and a half to go..

I’ve just fortified myself with a glass of red, some parma and olives; all washed down with a cleansing stout.

That’s the spirit.

Just a magnificent building.

Lots of lovely hawthorn hedges in the French countryside.

People say various parts of Tasmania look English because of all the hawthorn, but they equally look French.

I don’t know why they bother with these mini interviews.

Robby needs help with his “i” s, amongst other matters.

O’M gonna try

should be

I’M going to try

Bubblecar said:

Robby needs help with his “i” s, amongst other matters.

O’M gonna try

should be

I’M going to try

O’M gonna try =O’M gonna troy

It’s not pleasing.

Just about 5km to go and now they’re starting to race.

Groenewegen silences the critics.

Bubblecar said:

Groenewegen silences the critics.

But he’d be more useful if he came here and fixed my bike.

Tour de France 1914

No idea when.

kii said:

Tour de France 1914

No idea when.

A lot of people got a Tour de France in the years following 1914.

Ooh. Nice stonework.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-14/melbournes-former-artillery-storage-facility-jacks-magazine/9962368

Roughie,

Measured the watch bezel at several points around its circumference.

The centre of the ‘trench’ between the inner and outer rims is 40mm, as i read it.

The height/thickness of the bezel is 2mm, maybe 2.1mm.

Have pics but they’re not terribly clear, and they’re not on the photo site yet.

I’ll ask Mrs S (excellent photographer) to get some better ones.

captain_spalding said:

Roughie,

Measured the watch bezel at several points around its circumference.

The centre of the ‘trench’ between the inner and outer rims is 40mm, as i read it.

The height/thickness of the bezel is 2mm, maybe 2.1mm.

Have pics but they’re not terribly clear, and they’re not on the photo site yet.

I’ll ask Mrs S (excellent photographer) to get some better ones.

40mm is a common larger size PW glass. I’d like some good photos of the watch itself and the innards, the movement. Plus a shot of the inside of the caseback.

buffy said:

Ooh. Nice stonework.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-14/melbournes-former-artillery-storage-facility-jacks-magazine/9962368

Yes, i saw that. Actually saw the place for real in the early 80s.

I wonder what its ultimate fate will be? ‘Developed’ in some trendy/exclusive manner?

sorry

buffy said:

sorry

s’ok – you good kid.

Hopefully tonight’s stage 8 will be far superior to yesterday’s snoozefest.

sibeen said:

Hopefully tonight’s stage 8 will be far superior to yesterday’s snoozefest.

Yeah. Nobody crashed.

sibeen said:

Hopefully tonight’s stage 8 will be far superior to yesterday’s snoozefest.

I enjoyed it. Pleasant little forests and hedgerows and wide open farming landscapes.

Not much racing but that’s hardly my fault.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Hopefully tonight’s stage 8 will be far superior to yesterday’s snoozefest.

I enjoyed it. Pleasant little forests and hedgerows and wide open farming landscapes.

Not much racing but that’s hardly my fault.

That’s what they all say.

These châteaux are nearly all symmetrical.

Bubblecar said:

These châteaux are nearly all symmetrical.

pleasingly so, IMHO.

So at 11 we have to change to the other SBS to continue with the bicycles while normal SBS has a football gobfest before the match.

Bubblecar said:

So at 11 we have to change to the other SBS to continue with the bicycles while normal SBS has a football gobfest before the match.

We nearly always get Le Tour on ch 31 instead of the main channel. It isn’t that hard as it turns out.

Bubblecar said:

So at 11 we have to change to the other SBS to continue with the bicycles while normal SBS has a football gobfest before the match.

Shrug, I’m using ‘on demand’ on the computer, so have it playing on one of my screens.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

So at 11 we have to change to the other SBS to continue with the bicycles while normal SBS has a football gobfest before the match.

Shrug, I’m using ‘on demand’ on the computer, so have it playing on one of my screens.

I’ve got the heater on in the living room and am sitting on an armchair watching the tellybox in there, except when I’m in this pooter room posting on the internets as I am at this moment.

those wind turbines hardly moving at all

party_pants said:

those wind turbines hardly moving at all

It’s OK, France has plenty of nice, clean nuclear power to take up the slack.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

those wind turbines hardly moving at all

It’s OK, France has plenty of nice, clean nuclear power to take up the slack.

They were talking about head winds and so on at the time… barely a breath out there.

I’ll fix my bicycle this spring.

Bubblecar said:

I’ll fix my bicycle this spring.

Do it now. Today. Spread a tarp out on the living room floor and do it while you watch Le Tour or the soccer.

I miss the old girl.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

I’ll fix my bicycle this spring.

Do it now. Today. Spread a tarp out on the living room floor and do it while you watch Le Tour or the soccer.

Don’t be silly. It’s the middle of a freezing cold night and I’m pleasantly drunk.

But don’t you now live so close to the center of town that it would take longer to hop onto the bike than it would to walk to the shops.

sibeen said:

But don’t you now live so close to the center of town that it would take longer to hop onto the bike than it would to walk to the shops.

Yes but I can go for long country rides down Truelands Road.

Truelands Road. It goes on forever.

Bubblecar said:

Truelands Road. It goes on forever.

A nearly an infinity of road to ride.

Bubblecar said:

Truelands Road. It goes on forever.

very quaint.

The Irishman cough looks quite cut up.

Groenewegen wins again. I was hoping for a French win, but it wasn’t to be.

Bubblecar said:

Groenewegen wins again. I was hoping for a French win, but it wasn’t to be.

It was a Dutchman, close enough.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Groenewegen wins again. I was hoping for a French win, but it wasn’t to be.

It was a Dutchman, close enough.

At least it wasn’t an Englander.

Cobblestones tonight, hold onto your hat.

Bubblecar said:

Cobblestones tonight, hold onto your hat.

I don’t watch it, but does that mean special bikes or tyres?

AwesomeO said:

Bubblecar said:

Cobblestones tonight, hold onto your hat.

I don’t watch it, but does that mean special bikes or tyres?

Yes, there are some tricks they use:

The Tour de France teams’ mechanics will be working overtime to prepare bikes for the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, which the Tour’s riders will face on stage nine on Sunday.

The riders will change gearing, tyres and in Team Sky‘s case, the bike itself to use rear suspension.

“We are using Pinarello’s K10S with suspension, that everyone should be on,” Team Sky mechanic Gary Blem told Cycling Weekly. “Those come down this afternoon and will be at the hotel, and we will prepare them.

“With the rear suspension we don’t need to run the tyres too soft. It’s an automatic suspension so as we hit the cobbles the suspension is activated. That gives them more of an advantage on a normal surface before they hit the cobbles sections.”

Read more at https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/tour-de-france/special-kit-will-teams-riders-use-tour-de-france-cobbles-386488#xcGTsPMjXv9qvcwA.99

Richie Porte has crashed and it looks like he’s out of the Tour :(

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte has crashed and it looks like he’s out of the Tour :(

He has abandoned the race.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte has crashed and it looks like he’s out of the Tour :(

He has abandoned the race.

Well that’s a complete bummer.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte has crashed and it looks like he’s out of the Tour :(

He has abandoned the race.

Shit, had the race on in the background but was fixing a problem on the wife’s laptop; completely missed it.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Richie Porte has crashed and it looks like he’s out of the Tour :(

He has abandoned the race.

Well that’s a complete bummer.

I was thinking this might be his Tour, but that’s that scuppered.

That most Irish of accents.

On the first cobbles.

Ritchie will be shattered.

Especially his collar bone…

Rule 303 said:

Ritchie will be shattered.

Especially his collar bone…

It’s a dangerous game.

Riders starting to hit the deck on these cobbles.

Bubblecar said:

Riders starting to hit the deck on these cobbles.

I switched over during the ads, and saw that Great British Railways was on the other channel. Don’t know why but there is something about that series I really like.

More down.

I’ve never seen them do dirt roads, do they?

They just said it again!!!!

Vincenzo Neeeeeeeeeeeeeebalee. :)

Woodie said:

I’ve never seen them do dirt roads, do they?

Not that I’ve ever seen.

Vincenzo Nibali is caught a bit behind.

Woodie said:

I’ve never seen them do dirt roads, do they?

Nope. Cobbles and wet bitumen are as bad as it gets.

Dirt roads are reserved for Cyclocross racers.

Those support cars don’t take much notice of the speed limit do they. When they’re off…….. they’re gone! VROOOOOOM….

I think the cobblestone are just plain silly.

party_pants said:

I think the cobblestone are just plain silly.

Why? I love the Paris–Roubaix race. Watch it every year if possible.

party_pants said:

I think the cobblestone are just plain silly.

They’re certainly ethically questionable. They should be trying to minimise injuries, not provide ample chance for them.

All this “entertaining” excitement over riders crashing is not very edifying.

Bubblecar said:

All this “entertaining” excitement over riders crashing is not very edifying.

Shitloads of them are crashing on the normal tarmac.

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

All this “entertaining” excitement over riders crashing is not very edifying.

Shitloads of them are crashing on the normal tarmac.

“all the crashes are happening on the normal roads”.

I should be a commentator.

Quite dusty in this section.

sibeen said:

Quite dusty in this section.

locals should be forced to sweep up day before the race.

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Quite dusty in this section.

locals should be forced to sweep up day before the race.

They do.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

Quite dusty in this section.

locals should be forced to sweep up day before the race.

They do.

not well enogh

Robby knows what he’s talking about but I wish he’d shut up.

The locals should vacuum the whole bicycle route .

Johnny Degenkolb wins, but let’s go to the football.

Yeah, that was emotional :)

There was a short discussion the other evening about whether Le Tour ever goes down gravel roads, with the general consensus being “no”.

Today I’m having a read of an article in The Gran, and the second sentence strikes me as strange.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/16/bradley-wiggins-stirs-pot-warning-danger-rift-team-sky

What say you, forum?

sibeen said:

There was a short discussion the other evening about whether Le Tour ever goes down gravel roads, with the general consensus being “no”.

Today I’m having a read of an article in The Gran, and the second sentence strikes me as strange.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/16/bradley-wiggins-stirs-pot-warning-danger-rift-team-sky

What say you, forum?

SAD!

Fake News from a Fake News outlet!

sibeen said:

There was a short discussion the other evening about whether Le Tour ever goes down gravel roads, with the general consensus being “no”.

Today I’m having a read of an article in The Gran, and the second sentence strikes me as strange.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/16/bradley-wiggins-stirs-pot-warning-danger-rift-team-sky

What say you, forum?

Gravel, I’d be surprised if the bikes are designed for gravel but there you have it in black and white written by an expert.

sibeen said:

There was a short discussion the other evening about whether Le Tour ever goes down gravel roads, with the general consensus being “no”.

Today I’m having a read of an article in The Gran, and the second sentence strikes me as strange.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/16/bradley-wiggins-stirs-pot-warning-danger-rift-team-sky

What say you, forum?

There are gravel roads at some of the summits. Gravel is probably a loose term, they are pretty good gravel roads, hard packed etc.

poikilotherm said:

sibeen said:

There was a short discussion the other evening about whether Le Tour ever goes down gravel roads, with the general consensus being “no”.

Today I’m having a read of an article in The Gran, and the second sentence strikes me as strange.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/16/bradley-wiggins-stirs-pot-warning-danger-rift-team-sky

What say you, forum?

There are gravel roads at some of the summits. Gravel is probably a loose term, they are pretty good gravel roads, hard packed etc.

“After a rest day in Annecy, the riders will face three days in the mountains, with back-to-back summit finishes at La Rosière and Alpe d’Huez, the first time that the Alpe has featured in the Tour since Thibaut Pinot won there in 2015. There will also be a little bit of gravel for the riders to deal with at Plateau des Glières on stage 10.”

Read more at https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-2018-route-192041#PgVwW2Vx3sFoweCP.99

Michael V said:

sibeen said:

There was a short discussion the other evening about whether Le Tour ever goes down gravel roads, with the general consensus being “no”.

Today I’m having a read of an article in The Gran, and the second sentence strikes me as strange.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/16/bradley-wiggins-stirs-pot-warning-danger-rift-team-sky

What say you, forum?

SAD!

Fake News from a Fake News outlet!

As much as the gran is a big business supporting nazel gazing green wowser publication, this news is not fake.

z=v

It’s only for 2km or less.

Well, as controversial as it may be, it appears that forum consensus was incorrect.

There’s always a first.

sibeen said:

Well, as controversial as it may be, it appears that forum consensus was incorrect.

There’s always a first.

This forum doesn’t know its arse from its elbow.

Bradley Wiggins’ father was a sad case.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Wiggins

Now over to our commentary team of Yappy Matt Keenan and Robbie “Motormouth” McEwen.

Bubblecar said:

Now over to our commentary team of Yappy Matt Keenan and Robbie “Motormouth” McEwen.

watch it with the sound down… that’s how I watch this forum

Arts said:

Bubblecar said:

Now over to our commentary team of Yappy Matt Keenan and Robbie “Motormouth” McEwen.

watch it with the sound down… that’s how I watch this forum

That’s a good idea.

Arts said:

Bubblecar said:

Now over to our commentary team of Yappy Matt Keenan and Robbie “Motormouth” McEwen.

watch it with the sound down… that’s how I watch this forum

I’ve taken this advice. It’s much more relaxing now.

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Bubblecar said:

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

It really does sound like you guys thoroughly enjoy this new season of Le Tour. What episode are you up to?

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

Gabriel Gaté is inoffensive and enjoyable. It’s just traditional in this forum for most of the menfolk to hold him in ostentatious disdain, but I have no idea why.

kii said:

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

It really does sound like you guys thoroughly enjoy this new season of Le Tour. What episode are you up to?

This is Stage 10 of 21.

kii said:

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

It really does sound like you guys thoroughly enjoy this new season of Le Tour. What episode are you up to?

This is season 105. But I have not watched all the early ones. I don’t like the script much for this current one.

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

Rule 303 said:

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

It really does sound like you guys thoroughly enjoy this new season of Le Tour. What episode are you up to?

This is Stage 10 of 21.

What’s the plot like this year? Are the costumes interesting?

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

It really does sound like you guys thoroughly enjoy this new season of Le Tour. What episode are you up to?

This is Stage 10 of 21.

What’s the plot like this year? Are the costumes interesting?

There’s less focus on the scenery this year and too much on the riders, or “rorders” as Robbie calls them.

party_pants said:

kii said:

Rule 303 said:

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

It really does sound like you guys thoroughly enjoy this new season of Le Tour. What episode are you up to?

This is season 105. But I have not watched all the early ones. I don’t like the script much for this current one.

Way back in the 90s I went on holidays with my second older brother and his family. It was very unpleasant as he was having a midlife crisis that involved canoes and le tour. He also nagged his poor wife heaps. So I took my kids and left.

Bubblecar said:

kii said:

Bubblecar said:

This is Stage 10 of 21.

What’s the plot like this year? Are the costumes interesting?

There’s less focus on the scenery this year and too much on the riders, or “rorders” as Robbie calls them.

hmmmm…maybe they need to spice things up with capes. All the riders have to wear sparkly capes.

Bubblecar said:

Rule 303 said:

Bubblecar said:

Phil & Paul knew that the Tour is supposed to be relaxing viewing, except for the few exciting bits. So their general tone was relaxing and they were quite happy to pause now and then.

Matt and Robbie just never shut up and they treat every fucking turn of the pedals as if it’s something crucial.

Have I mentioned that Gabriel Gate GMTS this year?

Gabriel Gaté is inoffensive and enjoyable. It’s just traditional in this forum for most of the menfolk to hold him in ostentatious disdain, but I have no idea why.

Aaaawww…. I thought it was just me?

*Feels the love *

Effeminate affectation and that accent.

Also, there are culinary traditions that did not originate in France. I get the strong impression this fact would be news to Gabriel GMTS.

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

Bubblecar said:

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

Nope.

Bubblecar said:

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

Nothing snobbish about having a quick peep at regional food traditions. And It’s a four or five minute segment out of hours and hours of Tour coverage. Jesus Christ.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

I wouldn’t call him a food snob, honestly. He’s been flogging the same dead horse for thirty years.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

Nothing snobbish about having a quick peep at regional food traditions. And It’s a four or five minute segment out of hours and hours of Tour coverage. Jesus Christ.

I just don’t find regional food traditions the least bit interesting.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

Nothing snobbish about having a quick peep at regional food traditions. And It’s a four or five minute segment out of hours and hours of Tour coverage. Jesus Christ.

I just don’t find regional food traditions the least bit interesting.

I don’t find 90% of Matt & Robbie’s yakckety-yacking interesting.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

>Effeminate affectation and that accent.

I see, he’s not blokey and he’s French.

Dear oh fucking dear.

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

Nothing snobbish about having a quick peep at regional food traditions. And It’s a four or five minute segment out of hours and hours of Tour coverage. Jesus Christ.

Any other sports food presenter would be looking at what the athletes are eating – When, where, how and why. Gabriel GMTS just soldiers on, presenting the same old shit about the same dead food, as though oblivious to the purpose of the program he’s cough ‘contributing’ to.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

He’s a food snob. It is just not what we watch Le Tour for.

Nothing snobbish about having a quick peep at regional food traditions. And It’s a four or five minute segment out of hours and hours of Tour coverage. Jesus Christ.

I just don’t find regional food traditions the least bit interesting.

I do. Can’t stand sweaty Lycra though. Or over-sized calf muscles.

>the same old shit about the same dead food

I don’t think you have the slightest idea of what you’re talking about, but never mind.

Here’s a menu from a local cafe…..

Maybe we can have a Tour de New Mexico and feature the local cafes? Lots of people like to bike around here.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Nothing snobbish about having a quick peep at regional food traditions. And It’s a four or five minute segment out of hours and hours of Tour coverage. Jesus Christ.

I just don’t find regional food traditions the least bit interesting.

I don’t find 90% of Matt & Robbie’s yakckety-yacking interesting.

I would still prefer to stay with the cycling and commentary, I don’t hate him personally, but his segment is just a boring bit to sit through before resuming normal programming. At least an ad break is short.

Bubblecar said:

>the same old shit about the same dead food

I don’t think you have the slightest idea of what you’re talking about, but never mind.

Well, that’s new.

*Yawns *

Gravel.

sibeen said:

Gravel.

Sandy, really.

Rule 303 said:

sibeen said:

Gravel.

Sandy, really.

First gravel since 1987, apparently.

Those of us who listen to Matt & Robbie get this sort of information.

Seems Phil & Paul being kicked out as commentators was a decision by ASO, not SBS.

Sign the petition to bring them back:

Bring back Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwen to SBS

https://www.change.org/p/amaury-sport-organisation-aso-bring-back-phil-liggett-paul-sherwen-to-sbs?recruiter=743333530&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook_link&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=petition_closed

Bubblecar said:

Seems Phil & Paul being kicked out as commentators was a decision by ASO, not SBS.

Sign the petition to bring them back:

Bring back Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwen to SBS

https://www.change.org/p/amaury-sport-organisation-aso-bring-back-phil-liggett-paul-sherwen-to-sbs?recruiter=743333530&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook_link&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=petition_closed

No.

That’s a decent ride.

Gabriel Go Home!

sibeen said:

Gabriel Go Home!

And take your trumpet with you.

Is Froome one out and one back?

Decent mountain stage.

Matt and Robbie are in fine form.

Robbie & Matt?
Had enough of that.
Matt & Robbie?
Gibby gabby gobby.

Bugger, looks like he’s getting caught.

Maybe not.

Vincenzo Nibali goes on the attack.

Fucking idiot spectators.

sibeen said:

Fucking idiot spectators.

Anything to do with “Vincenzo Nibali goes on the attack.”

kii said:

sibeen said:

Fucking idiot spectators.

Anything to do with “Vincenzo Nibali goes on the attack.”

Nah. Just fuckwits.

Vincenzo ws just knocked off his bike.

sibeen said:

Vincenzo ws just knocked off his bike.

By a fucking idiot spectator?

kii said:

sibeen said:

Vincenzo ws just knocked off his bike.

By a fucking idiot spectator?

Yes.

sibeen said:

kii said:

sibeen said:

Vincenzo ws just knocked off his bike.

By a fucking idiot spectator?

Yes.

Vincenzo is out of the race due to injuries sustained in the fall. He actually ran up the back of a police motorcycle, or at least that is what is being reported.

Phil & Paul had the knack of matching the pace and tone of their commentary to the shape of the race, in which nothing much happens most of the time. So we had the unfolding scenery and the trundling bikes and a fairly quiet, measured commentary in pleasant voices which didn’t overly intrude into the viewer’s experience of a relaxing ride. When exciting things happened, the voices changed gear accordingly.

Matt and Robbie don’t have that sensitivity to the shape of the race. It tends to be a full-on yackety-yack-yack all the way, tiring rather than relaxing. And they have a tendency to consider themselves the centre of attention, instead of the visual experience.

I suspect the viewing figures for the Tour, which grew substantially over many years, are now starting to dwindle.

Obviously Phil & Paul can’t keep doing it indefinitely, but they need replacements that have the same charm and skill at reflecting what most viewers seek in the Tour as a television experience.

Matt & Robbie in fine fettle this evening.

sibeen said:

Matt & Robbie in fine fettle this evening.

Le footy at the mo. Followed by Le Tour.

Woodie said:

sibeen said:

Matt & Robbie in fine fettle this evening.

Le footy at the mo. Followed by Le Tour.

meh – stoopid bloody Tigers. Went to sleep.

All them Frog houses look pretty derelict to me. All the windows are boarded up.

Oooooo eeeer…….. that was the Le Grande Goolies.

That’s a quite pretty village.

Good ol’ Saggers!

party_pants said:

Good ol’ Saggers!

What’s he ever done for you?

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Good ol’ Saggers!

What’s he ever done for you?

Be entertaining.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Good ol’ Saggers!

What’s he ever done for you?

He won me another stage victory tonight.

… if only I had bet some money on him.

Dear SBS, the gap between Matt introducing a pre-recorded segment and that segment being plated is too long. It is annoying.

party_pants said:

Dear SBS, the gap between Matt introducing a pre-recorded segment and that segment being plated is too long. It is annoying.

played

turns over to le bicyclettes.

……….. and no Vincenzo Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeebalee. :(

so many spectators without shirts.

party_pants said:

so many spectators without shirts.

quickly switches across

Oh…men.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

so many spectators without shirts.

quickly switches across

Oh…men.

LOL

So many houses in this part of the world have that high-walled compound sort of style.

Bloody hell, there’s 32 riders in the breakaway. Of course none are actually in contention. They must be having a ‘give the losers a go’ day.

Nah, not going to make it to the end this evening.

idiots with smoke flares should be beaten to death.

party_pants said:

idiots with smoke flares should be beaten to death.

I think I suggested throwing them off the side of the mountain a few nights ago, but your way can work as well.

Cyclists prepare for the start of the 56th Giro d’Italia cycling race, Italy, 1973. Photo by Norbert Rzepka.

Back on this evening.

sibeen said:

Back on this evening.

shakes fist

AwesomeO said:

sibeen said:

Back on this evening.

shakes fist

last week…

Suspended due to farmers’ protest. See https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/44937933 (it was restarted, though.)

ow! fuck

Big fuck.

He looks OK…ish.

tough bastard, he’s back on the bike.

The racing doesn’t start until 11:15 this evening, and is only a 65 km stage, albeit with two category ones and then finishing off with a HC.

Christ, I hope they don’t put on Gabriel Gaté at that late hour, could curdle your guts.

Ou et le byciclette la tour et pas le heurs noir pour couchette moi.

sibeen said:

The racing doesn’t start until 11:15 this evening, and is only a 65 km stage, albeit with two category ones and then finishing off with a HC.

Christ, I hope they don’t put on Gabriel Gaté at that late hour, could curdle your guts.

Why don’t the stupid Frogs schedule their events at a more suitable time for us?

Woodie said:

Ou et le byciclette la tour et pas le heurs noir pour couchette moi.

“Or and the bicycle tower and not the darkness for berth me” according to Google translate.

party_pants said:

sibeen said:

The racing doesn’t start until 11:15 this evening, and is only a 65 km stage, albeit with two category ones and then finishing off with a HC.

Christ, I hope they don’t put on Gabriel Gaté at that late hour, could curdle your guts.

Why don’t the stupid Frogs schedule their events at a more suitable time for us?

They all start two hours earlier for you, then they start again two hours later for us.

party_pants said:

Woodie said:

Ou et le byciclette la tour et pas le heurs noir pour couchette moi.

“Or and the bicycle tower and not the darkness for berth me” according to Google translate.

Perzact a mon.

Two minutes to go.

…and we’re off!!!!!!!!!!

some very lovely stone walls in this part of the world.

party_pants said:

some very lovely stone walls in this part of the world.

Yet looking at some of those mountains I struggle to think where they get the stone from.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

some very lovely stone walls in this part of the world.

Yet looking at some of those mountains I struggle to think where they get the stone from.

probably from Wales.

interesting airstrip

Robbie just spoke in Welsh.

sibeen said:

Robbie just spoke in Welsh.

I must have missed it during a clap of thunder. It is absolutely pissing down outside too, and very noisy on my colourbond roof.

Why is there even a road up this hill? Surely no-one in their right mind would live anywhere near the place.

sibeen said:

Why is there even a road up this hill? Surely no-one in their right mind would live anywhere near the place.

ski resort in the winter I would have thunk it.

Froome cracks, or at least it looks like it.

rightio then, Thomas looks like it.

time for bed.

party_pants said:

rightio then, Thomas looks like it.

time for bed.

Aye.

Gabriel!

Bubblecar said:

Gabriel!

Damn….. And I’ve just cooked me dinner too.

Voila le hueres le frog bicyclettes.

Bubblecar said:

Gabriel!

FUCK OFF

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

I
Stand done, crisis over

It’s come good.

sibeen said:

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

You ought to get one of those newfangled “television” gadgets.

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

You ought to get one of those newfangled “television” gadgets.

I’m standing in solidarity with Boris.

The tour tracker ap is having problems.

sibeen said:

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

sibeen said:

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

Do they put ads in on demand? Is it in HD, Beeny Boy?

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

sibeen said:

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

You ought to get one of those newfangled “television” gadgets.

I’m standing in solidarity with Boris.

you’ve come over to the Farside.

Woodie said:

sibeen said:

Bloody SBS on demand seems to be having issues.

Do they put ads in on demand? Is it in HD, Beeny Boy?

No ads. As for HD, no idea.

JudgeMental said:

sibeen said:

Bubblecar said:

You ought to get one of those newfangled “television” gadgets.

I’m standing in solidarity with Boris.

you’ve come over to the Farside.

Oh, come on, no-one was going to believe that. No-one.

That cop who made Froome crash yesterday will be getting shit about it for the rest of his life.

People will be bumping into him and saying “Sorry, there wasn’t enough Froome!”

And they will laugh and laugh…

They’re doing a special spot with Robbie as if he’s some special guest instead of someone who yackety-yacks at us all bloody night long.

Rule 303 said:

That cop who made Froome crash yesterday will be getting shit about it for the rest of his life.

People will be bumping into him and saying “Sorry, there wasn’t enough Froome!”

And they will laugh and laugh…

I didn’t see this incident and I stayed up to watch teh finish.

Me watching le Tour on television while blowing vape, a moment ago. Don’t know who took this snap.

party_pants said:

Rule 303 said:

That cop who made Froome crash yesterday will be getting shit about it for the rest of his life.

People will be bumping into him and saying “Sorry, there wasn’t enough Froome!”

And they will laugh and laugh…

I didn’t see this incident and I stayed up to watch teh finish.

It happened after the race had finished and he was riding back down the mountain to the tour bus.

Bubblecar said:

Me watching le Tour on television while blowing vape, a moment ago. Don’t know who took this snap.

Rodney or his ghost?

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

Rule 303 said:

That cop who made Froome crash yesterday will be getting shit about it for the rest of his life.

People will be bumping into him and saying “Sorry, there wasn’t enough Froome!”

And they will laugh and laugh…

I didn’t see this incident and I stayed up to watch teh finish.

It happened after the race had finished and he was riding back down the mountain to the tour bus.

ok. ta.

Nasty graze on Quintana’s arm there.

some nice wildlife shots along the river.

I like that monastery courtyard with the palm trees.

Hmm, just accidentally topped up my cider from the bottle of semillon sauv blanc I opened for dinner.

But it’s a surprisingly drinkable mix.

Bubblecar said:

Hmm, just accidentally topped up my cider from the bottle of semillon sauv blanc I opened for dinner.

But it’s a surprisingly drinkable mix.

lol – we’ve all done similar. but too good to throw it out.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Hmm, just accidentally topped up my cider from the bottle of semillon sauv blanc I opened for dinner.

But it’s a surprisingly drinkable mix.

lol – we’ve all done similar. but too good to throw it out.

I have never topped up a cider with a semillon sauv blanc. Never.

yeah – I thought I saw a flash of a dog back then but wasn’t sure.

party_pants said:

yeah – I thought I saw a flash of a dog back then but wasn’t sure.

What dog? I saw no dog.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

yeah – I thought I saw a flash of a dog back then but wasn’t sure.

What dog? I saw no dog.

A little lapdog type of dog. I saw a flash of light brown but then the moment was passed and nobody else reacted.

Bubblecar said:

Nasty graze on Quintana’s arm there.

Hurts for a minute, then feels cold for a few minutes, then starts to feel stiff in a way that’s slightly uncomfortable but not painful. If it’s not on the back of the hip or the front of the knee he wont even notice it.

sibeen said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Hmm, just accidentally topped up my cider from the bottle of semillon sauv blanc I opened for dinner.

But it’s a surprisingly drinkable mix.

lol – we’ve all done similar. but too good to throw it out.

I have never topped up a cider with a semillon sauv blanc. Never.

I bet Gabrielle Gate has.

I think I’m out too. Still the best part of another hour to go :(

party_pants said:

I think I’m out too. Still the best part of another hour to go :(

I’m going to shift operations back into this room and listen to music while wandering through Nostalgia files.

Bicycles.

And they are starting the first decent climb.

I wonder if those spectators who hold out water bottles for the riders feel a deep sense of rejection when no-one wants them.

sibeen said:

And they are starting the first decent climb.

and le footy le fucked.

On the descent now, apart from the stragglers who are straggling.

Woodie said:

sibeen said:

And they are starting the first decent climb.

and le footy le fucked.

I’m surprised that you have the cojones to show your face around these here parts.

sibeen said:

Woodie said:

sibeen said:

And they are starting the first decent climb.

and le footy le fucked.

I’m surprised that you have the cojones to show your face around these here parts.

Woulda been 10 goals+ if they’d kicked straight.

Wonder why the mountain spectators are always more yobby than the lowland ones.

Jeeez there’s some big hills in France. One could almost call them mountains.

Bubblecar said:

Wonder why the mountain spectators are always more yobby than the lowland ones.

rarefied air.

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

Wonder why the mountain spectators are always more yobby than the lowland ones.

rarefied air.

:)

Steep descent underway for the leaders.

Bubblecar said:

Wonder why the mountain spectators are always more yobby than the lowland ones.

they are the more hard-core cycling fans, not just the everyday bodies who has wondered down for a look as Le Tour passes through their village.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Wonder why the mountain spectators are always more yobby than the lowland ones.

they are the more hard-core cycling fans, not just the everyday bodies who has wondered down for a look as Le Tour passes through their village.

At the spectator auditions, they always assign the yobbier ones to the mountaintops to increase the sense of tension for the viewers at home.

Bubblecar said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Wonder why the mountain spectators are always more yobby than the lowland ones.

they are the more hard-core cycling fans, not just the everyday bodies who has wondered down for a look as Le Tour passes through their village.

At the spectator auditions, they always assign the yobbier ones to the mountaintops to increase the sense of tension for the viewers at home.

I hate the ones who run alongside the cyclists on the road. Those dickheads needs to be dropped out of a helicopter.

Back to correcting the commentators’ vowels.

Bubblecar said:

Back to correcting the commentators’ vowels.

…and consonants. It’s not “twenny” Mr Keenan, it’s “twenTy”.

interesting spiderweb over the road there to catch falling rocks.

Some very nicely trimmed hedges in this little town. A great credit to the inhabitants.

‘Bottle of water from the side of the road, don’t drink that, don’t trust it, straight over the head to cool off”.

That would be an evil terrorist trick – give them a bottle of acid and they tip it straight over their head.

Foggy descent.

Those mountaintop horses love wagging their tails

Roglic wins the stage and now it’s yackety yack about the yackety yack.

I did a 15km flat stage this afternoon. Although I came in dead last I still had the honour of wearing the grey jersey.

party_pants said:

I did a 15km flat stage this afternoon. Although I came in dead last I still had the honour of wearing the grey jersey.

Have you tried washing it?

party_pants said:

I did a 15km flat stage this afternoon. Although I came in dead last I still had the honour of wearing the grey jersey.

Well done.

I spent the day nursing a hangover. Now firmly on the wagon for the next fortnight.

Bit of a shamozzle with the TV time clock not matching the official clock. Dumoulin missed out by a second on the TV and then revised to first by about the same margin.

Only 80km left to roll.

Looks like Thomas.

The view from RuleKid1

So, the Tour de Farce is over now?

captain_spalding said:

So, the Tour de Farce is over now?

Apparently le Farce is tres bouffon when the CESMs win the WC.

Ian said:

captain_spalding said:

So, the Tour de Farce is over now?

Apparently le Farce is tres bouffon when the CESMs win the WC.

Le Farce est une mauvaise blague at the best of times, but, as you say, le Français seem to feel that they can afford to deride it further this year.