Tour De France

Nick77 · « **on:** 4 Jul 2009, 06:22 pm »

Tour kicked off today in exciting fashion with Lance Armstrong again in the line up. He finished the day in the top 10 in a blazing time trial. Honestly I havent paid too much attention to the race since he retired.

Anyone else following the race since Lance is back?

galyons · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Jul 2009, 07:57 pm »

Yes, whether Lance is back or not! The Tour is 2nd only to the Giro!!

Cheers,
Geary

John Casler · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Jul 2009, 12:29 am »

Quote from: Nick77 on 4 Jul 2009, 06:22 pm

Tour kicked off today in exciting fashion with Lance Armstrong again in the line up. He finished the day in the top 10 in a blazing time trial. Honestly I havent paid too much attention to the race since he retired.

Anyone else following the race since Lance is back?

Caught a bit on TV today during breakfast (late). Didn't turn on intime to see Lance because he chose to go early.

While his top 10 is reasonably strong, I think his team had 3-4 riders in the top 10.

THAT is strong, and ready to race.

Nick77 · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Jul 2009, 12:47 am »

Yup I dont if Lance can pull it off, but one thing is certain team Astana will be the team to beat.

bunnyma357 · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Jul 2009, 01:04 am »

I'm kind of hoping Lance doesn't quite live up to the hype, gives us some thrills, and then acts as one of the greatest domestiques in history. I'd hate to see the cycling equivalent to Michael Jordan's tenure with the Wizards. And it would just be nice to see him to finish out his career with class and dignity.

I enjoyed the last few TdF's, although obviously it would have been nice to not go through the whole Floyd thing, after what seemed like a great tour. There has been a lot of great competition, but not necessarily the type of heroic persona that Lance represents.

It should make for an interesting TdF, and it is nice to see it in HD on Vs.

Jim C

Steven Stone · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Jul 2009, 03:20 am »

Seeing the Tour in HD is GREAT!

I can't wait to see the French Alps in HD...the race should be pretty terrific too!

Nick77 · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Jul 2009, 05:18 pm »

Astana kicked butt at the team trials today winning 1st place, but just a fraction a second from putting Lance in yellow. Very interesting!

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/31778836/ns/sports-tour_de_france/

John Casler · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Jul 2009, 07:32 pm »

Quote from: Nick77 on 7 Jul 2009, 05:18 pm

Astana kicked butt at the team trials today winning 1st place, but just a fraction a second from putting Lance in yellow. Very interesting!

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/31778836/ns/sports-tour_de_france/

Could be one of the greatest accomplishments in Sports if he pulls this off considering his age, 4 years of retirement and the surely stringent drug testing he is probably subject to.

As well his focus to promote cancer awareness certainly adds to the class of the effort no matter what the outcome.

Don_S · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Jul 2009, 08:16 pm »

Am I reading this correctly?

Cancellara total time 10:38:07
Armstrong--tied for first?
Contador + 19 seconds
etc.

Astana kickin' butt

Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) in 10:38:07
Lance Armstrong (Astana) at 00:00
Alberto Contador (Astana) at 00:19
Andr?as Kl?den (Astana) at 00:23
Levi Leipheimer (Astana) at 00:31
Bradley Wiggins (Garmin - Slipstream) at 00:38
Haimar Zubeldia (Astana) at 00:51
Tony Martin (Columbia - HTC) at 00:52
David Zabriskie (Garmin - Slipstream) at 01:06
David Millar (Garmin - Slipstream

Nick77 · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Jul 2009, 08:24 pm »

I believe Lance is considered 2nd place but less than a sec seperates the two.

ctviggen · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Jul 2009, 01:17 pm »

This should be interesting. The move by Contador yesterday was a bad move on his part, I think. You shouldn't be attacking your own teammates to gain such a small amount of time. If Lance is in good enough shape, that move might come back to harm Contador.

Don_S · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Jul 2009, 03:52 pm »

Quote from: ctviggen on 12 Jul 2009, 01:17 pm

This should be interesting. The move by Contador yesterday was a bad move on his part, I think. You shouldn't be attacking your own teammates to gain such a small amount of time. If Lance is in good enough shape, that move might come back to harm Contador.

I agree. In the past Lance has shown great patience. He does not feel he needs to take the yellow jersey until he thinks the time is right. Payback may be delayed.

TomS · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Jul 2009, 06:22 pm »

I suspect Contador was just sending a message too. He looked very strong in that attack and looked like he could go on for awhile at that pace without concern. Lance, of course, wasn't showing anything just yet... Both know the last week in the mountains is what matters. No TT either, so it has to be done there. Should be fun to watch.

Don_S · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Jul 2009, 08:29 pm »

Is there any network coverage? I do not have cable or satellite.

In previous years they chose to broadcast stuff like young women's golf instead of any TDF coverage. And that was during the reign of King Armstrong. If an American winning multiple back-to-back TDFs could not get some network time, I don't know what would get them interested.

What is it with golf anyway? You see one putt you've seen them all.

TomS · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Jul 2009, 08:54 pm »

No network coverage that I know of but you can watch it live here on Versus TV on the web http://www.versus.com/tourdefrancelive

Nick77 · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Jul 2009, 10:35 pm »

Wow the drama continues, but Contador has more than proved he is the strongest all around man on the tour. Hope Lance can still pull out a second or third spot on the podium in Paris.
Sure have enjoyed the Versus HD this year, the shots up in the Alps were amazing.

Imperial · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Jul 2009, 10:46 pm »

Go Thor Hushovd!!! Go greeeeeen!!!

Go Norway... aa eh... Right..

And I don't think Lance will be on the podium this time...
Schleck is too strong...

I think..
But eho knows, he's pulled it off before, maaany times..

Imp.

TomS · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 Jul 2009, 01:31 pm »

Wow, what a battle about to happen on Mont Ventoux! Let's see if Contadour helps Lance stay on the podium...

Nick77 · « **Reply #18 on:** 25 Jul 2009, 02:34 pm »

Awesome job Lance!!!!!!!

TomS · « **Reply #19 on:** 25 Jul 2009, 02:38 pm »

Contadour surely showed why he deserves it, but Armstrong really was amazing to compete head to head with all those youngsters. Great racing!